BRYAN, Texas – A routine traffic stop led to the arrest of Dianne Hutson, a 25-year-old woman from Trinity, Texas, who was allegedly in possession of personal information for more than 4,200 people, according to Bryan police.
Hutson was originally pulled over on Thursday, June 5, and booked for possession of marijuana and driving without a valid license. However, the case quickly escalated after jail phone calls revealed a hidden stash of sensitive documents.
Investigators say Hutson made a call from jail instructing a friend to retrieve documents hidden under a TV in a local hotel room. When officers searched the room, they discovered 84 pieces of paper containing names, Social Security numbers, birthdates, and other personally identifiable information (PII).
She has now been charged with fraudulent possession or use of 50 or more items of identifying information, a serious felony offense in Texas.
During questioning, Hutson allegedly told officers that the data was purchased from the dark web, but claimed it “did not work” when she tried to use it.
Bryan police are now working to identify and notify all victims whose information was found in Hutson’s possession.
“Our white-collar detectives will do their best to contact every victim… and let them know what’s going on,” said Officer Seth Waller.
As of the latest update, Hutson remains in Brazos County Jail with a total bond set at $78,285 for all charges.
