DOUGLAS COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman with cause to believe she took advantage of co-workers, acquaintances and a neighbor by stealing their personal identifying information and fraudulently charging thousands of dollars to the victims’ accounts over several months, according to police spokesperson Laura McCabe.
Police arrested 25-year-old Billie Jean Peterson of Lawrence on requested charges of felony theft along with 26 counts of criminal use of a financial card, 28 counts of unlawful computer acts, and 56 counts of identity theft – 111 total counts involving 18 evidence-based victims and additional witnesses.
The investigation began in March when a small group of women who worked with Peterson at a local dental office compared notes about fraudulent charges on their bank cards.
After gathering paperwork and facts from their banks, the women called the Lawrence Police Department. Patrol Officers responded to the initial call, took the reports, and forwarded them to the department's Investigations Unit where the lead investigator dug deeper.
A trail led by evidence and dozens of interviews found potential victims dating back as far as June of 2021 and enough facts to gain a search warrant. The warrant, executed in April, resulted in additional clues and more potential victims.
Peterson has held jobs at several dental offices during this time, but the crimes were not limited to co-workers. Managers and employees at each of the clinics have been helpful and cooperative during the investigation.
Investigators have proactively contacted every person whose information they found during their search.
Those who believe you are a victim of this criminal activity, contact your financial institution to stop any fraudulent activity, and an officer with the LKPD would be happy to speak with you.