- October 31, 2024
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Story courtesy of the FCSO's Shannon Martin.
A Palm Coast resident told deputies that he had been away on vacation and when he came back on Sept. 15 he discovered that a total of $2,900 in purchases were made using his bank card without his knowledge.
FCSO detectives began investigating the fraud and collecting evidence based on when and where the purchases were made but, the real break in the case came when the victim was delivered a package that was intended for the suspect.
The package, which contained parts for a Chevy truck, had a label with the victim’s name on it but a physical address pointing to his neighbor, Kyle George, 31. The victim told FCSO that George had been inside his home before he went on vacation and that he drives a Chevy truck.
Further investigation discovered that a truck matching George’s was present on several locations during times the victim reported his card had been fraudulently used. Video surveillance from inside Kohl’s in Palm Coast also showed George making purchases with the victim’s credit card. FCSO detectives further obtained video of George inside the Bunnell Department of Motor Vehicles using his
neighbor’s credit card to register a vehicle.
FCSO obtained a warrant for Kyle George’s arrest on Friday, Sept. 27, and he was taken into custody outside of his home on Lindsay Drive in Palm Coast.
“Our detectives did a great job in piecing this puzzle together,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “This is a guy who thinks he is above the law and shouldn’t have to work for his money like the rest of us. He takes the term ‘bad neighbor’ to a whole new level.”
George was taken to the Flagler County Jail and charged with five counts of fraudulent use of personal identification information of a person over 60 years of age and fraudulent use of a credit card. He posted bail on a $15,000 bond and was released.
Since initially reporting this crime, the victim has discovered more fraudulent charges on a separate credit card totaling over $11,000. This case is on-going and more charges may be coming.
