Alleged fake ID mill shut down near Sandy

Alleged fake ID mill shut down near Sandy


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WHITE CITY, Salt Lake County — Two people have been arrested for allegedly operating a fake I.D. mill out of their home in White City, near Sandy, according to authorities.

William Welcher, 38, and Brandi Luckau, 41, were arrested on suspicion of possession of identification cards and checks belonging to other people with intent to create fraudulent ID cards and checks.

Agents with the Utah Attorney General's SECURE Strike Force seized a computer with scanned images of 28 lawfully issued identification cards and a handwritten checklist on forgery, according to court documents. They found that victims' personal information was being used to create fraudulent driver's licenses, check stubs and bank checks.

Among the victims was a Cottonwood Heights mother who asked not to be identified. The woman said she had her purse stolen with her ID cards and the social security numbers of her three young boys.

Are you a victim of identity theft?
Identity theft victims are urged to use the Identity Theft Reporting Information System for help.

IRIS allows victims to send identity theft complaints directly to the proper law enforcement agency and provides a checklist of things to do to resolve credit problems.

IRIS can be found at www.idtheft.utah.gov.

"It made my heart drop. This was such a nightmare, especially having my children's identities stolen," she said. "I was so upset and I don't want this to happen to anyone else."

Welcher and Luckau were each arrested on one second-degree felony count, seven third-degree felony counts and one class A misdemeanor involving identity fraud and stolen property. Luckau is also facing two first-degree felony drug distribution counts.

Strike Force agent Nate Mutter said most of the ID cards scanned into the suspects' computer were those of car burglary victims. "ID thieves will smash in car windows if they see a wallet or purse laying on a seat," he said.

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Stephanie Grimes

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