A Jefferson City woman has been charged with identity theft for using a relative's Social Security number and charging more than $15,000 worth of items to the person's credit card.
Diane Trammell-Bentley, 49, of 1431 Creek Trail, is believed to have done this from June 2011 to February 2012.
A Cole County Sheriff's Department probable cause statement shows that while attempting to obtain a home loan the victim discovered multiple lines of credit had been fraudulently opened with the victim's name, Social Security number and date of birth.
Some of the creditors showed that credit applications were filled out online using the victim's information, but with Trammell-Bentley's address.
During an interview with deputies, Trammell-Bentley said she had been having financial hardships and had assisted this family member in preparing taxes in the past, giving her access to the relative's vital information.
As of Wednesday, Trammell-Bentley was being held in the Cole County Jail on $20,000 bond.