Jack Lizardo, a 22-year-old from Manhattan, was arrested on Tuesday by New Hartford Police following an identity theft investigation that spanned three states. The case began when a victim from Niagara County reported their credit card had been used without permission. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the card had been used to purchase items at the Lowe’s store on Middle Settlement Road in New Hartford.
With help from Lowe’s Asset Protection team, New Hartford Police identified Lizardo as the suspect and uncovered a pattern of identity theft affecting multiple victims at Lowe’s stores across New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. The investigation revealed that Lizardo illegally obtained nearly $1,000 worth of merchandise from the New Hartford Lowe’s location.
Lizardo later surrendered to the police and was arraigned in the Town of New Hartford Court on charges of second-degree identity theft, a Class E felony, and petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor. He is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
The New Hartford Police Department, in cooperation with Lowe’s Regional Asset Protection and other law enforcement agencies, will continue to investigate the case. Authorities are also urging the public to be cautious with their personal information and avoid falling victim to scams such as unsolicited phone calls or check cashing schemes.
