CLIVE, Iowa — A 24-year-old Iowa woman accused of committing multiple identity theft and credit card fraud crimes across several states is now in custody.
Court documents show Emma Cornelison was arrested Sunday during a traffic stop conducted by Des Moines Police. According to Clive Police Detective Maurio Coleman, Cornelison had an active warrant from Minnesota related to a 2022 credit card fraud case.
Cornelison has a lengthy history with local law enforcement. She was previously involved in a 2021 Clive Police Department case after a vehicle burglary outside an Orangetheory Fitness location in Clive.
“Our victim left her purse inside her car when it was burglarized,” Coleman said. “Cornelison was identified as the suspect.”
In February 2021, the Clive Police Department posted Cornelison’s mugshot on Facebook, labeling her as “WANTED” for multiple charges, including money laundering, forgery, identity theft, third-degree burglary, and unauthorized use of credit cards.
Court records link Cornelison to investigations by Clive, Des Moines, Johnston, and West Des Moines Police Departments stemming from incidents between 2019 and 2021.
Investigators say Cornelison often broke into vehicles, stole purses and wallets, and used the stolen credit cards to buy gift cards, a tactic associated with money laundering.
“Taking a stolen credit card and committing a forgery by buying something that can be disguised as real cash — it’s money laundering 101,” said Coleman.
Police believe Cornelison’s activity mirrors that of the Felony Lane Gang, a nationwide criminal network originating in Florida known for targeting vehicles at gyms, parks, and trails.
“They look for purses or wallets, then use stolen IDs and checks to impersonate victims at banks and withdraw cash,” Coleman explained.
Authorities urge residents to protect themselves by never leaving purses, wallets, or valuables in unattended vehicles.
