ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – Two Michigan women, Kyra Burns of Canton and Crystal Dunson of Detroit, have been charged with identity theft after allegedly fraudulently opening credit cards at Best Buy stores across the St. Louis area, authorities said.
Fraudulent Purchases Total Over $11,000
According to St. Louis County Police, Burns and Dunson acted together between January 13 and January 14 to steal victims’ identities and open multiple credit lines at Best Buy locations in Chesterfield, Brentwood, and other St. Louis-area stores.
A victim discovered fraudulent credit lines in her name, prompting an investigation. Two additional victims also reported unauthorized accounts opened in their names. In total, the fraudulent purchases amounted to $11,331.
Swapping Merchandise in Illinois
After making purchases in Missouri, the suspects exchanged the merchandise at Best Buy locations in Edwardsville and Springfield, Illinois.
Caught on Surveillance & Identified
Police identified Burns and Dunson through:
Best Buy surveillance footage showing them in multiple store locations
A vehicle with a Michigan plate matching their description
An employee at the Edwardsville Best Buy, who picked them out of a photo lineup
Charges & Arrest Warrants
Both Burns and Dunson have been charged with three counts of identity theft. Warrants have been issued for their arrest, and bonds are set at $50,000 each.
