A 36-year-old woman from Volcano, Hawai’i, has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including identity theft, forgery, and unauthorized possession of confidential personal information. Rebecca Sutliff is accused of forging six checks worth $1,950 and depositing the funds into her personal account between July 20 and July 29, 2024.
A warrant for Sutliff’s arrest was issued on November 25, and she was arrested on Friday. According to the Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney’s office, Sutliff faces 19 charges, including six counts of Identity Theft in the Second Degree, five counts of Theft in the Second Degree (related to the theft of property from victims aged 60 or older), five counts of Forgery in the Second Degree, and one count each of Unauthorized Possession of Confidential Personal Information, Theft in the Third Degree, and Theft in the Fourth Degree.
The charges carry significant penalties. Identity Theft in the Second Degree is a class B felony, which could result in up to ten years in prison or four years probation, while Forgery and Theft in the Second Degree are class C felonies, punishable by up to five years in prison or probation.
The investigation into Sutliff’s actions was initiated by Officer Shaneil Azevedo and Officer Christopher Barto of the South Hilo Patrol. The case was led by Detective Jenny Lee of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Georgia Berrenberg.
Sutliff is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and local authorities continue to seek information from the public to assist in the investigation. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
