MESILLA, N.M. — Denise Pedraza Webb was arrested Saturday while in custody at the Dona Ana County Detention Center, accused of a crime spree involving identity theft and forgery.
Webb faces multiple charges, including five counts of forgery, 11 counts of unauthorized computer access with intent to defraud, and 12 counts of identity theft and electronic fraud. Authorities say she used a fake New Mexico driver’s license under her victims’ names to open bank, loan, and credit card accounts fraudulently.
The charges stem from incidents where Webb allegedly changed victims’ bank account profiles to steal approximately $10,000 from one victim’s personal account. Her latest offense reportedly involved stealing a 2020 Dodge Charger R/T from the Dick Poe car dealership using the false driver’s license. The vehicle was later recovered in Deming.
Webb has a long criminal history involving similar offenses. Initially arrested in Albuquerque and held at Bernalillo County Detention Center, she was later transferred to Las Cruces on a District Court bench warrant for failure to appear.
Following her arrest, the Mesilla Marshals Office served an additional warrant, which prevented her from posting bond despite hiring a bondsman.
Officials urge residents to protect personal information and avoid leaving mail unattended overnight to reduce the risk of identity theft.
