GOLDEN — Eight members of an alleged metro-area identity-theft ring have been indicted by a Jefferson County grand jury.
Eighty nine felony counts, including four counts of racketeering, were filed in the indictment announced today.
The grand jury made the findings about 10 days ago. Information about the indictments was withheld as arrests were made.
During August and September, group members are accused of stealing mail, burglarizing homes and businesses, breaking into cars and stealing personal and financial information.
The indictments said the ring members falsely completed stolen checks and used them to get money or merchandise. Stolen credit cards also were used to buy items.
Proceeds were shared among the group members and were often used to buy methamphetamine, the indictments said.
Investigators believe there were more than 20 victims. Businesses victimized include World Savings Bank, Safeway, 7-Eleven, Ace Cash Express, Budget Rent-a- Car, King Soopers, Home Depot and Advance Auto.
Those indicted were Taisen Wilkerson, 27, of Aurora; Tiffanie Bevilacqua, 37, of Lakewood; Benjamin Martinez, 25, of Commerce City; Jessica Buerge, 24, of Westminster; April Hill, 21, Denver; Gary Gilbert, 30, of Denver; Wayne Emerson, 21, of Arvada; and Ashley Hamilton, 19 of Westminster.
Wilkerson, Bevilacqua, Martinez and Buerge are believed to be the ringleaders, the indictments said. They were each charged with violation of the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act.
All eight have been charged with numerous counts of identity theft, criminal impersonation and possession of a controlled substance.
Wilkerson, Bevilacqua, Martinez, Hill, Emerson and Hamilton will be advised of charges on March 17. Arrest warrants have been issued for Buerge and Gilbert.
Ann Schrader: 303-278-3217 or aschrader@denverpost.com
