Newton man charged with identity theft

A Newton man faces charges after spending nearly $4,700 out of another person account.

Justin D. Garza, 19, of Newton, was charged with identity theft and second-degree theft Friday.

According to the Newton Police Department, the victim came to the police department at 1:10 p.m. April 1 to report a potential identity theft. The victim told the NPD someone had been using her debit card without her consent to make purchases at local businesses and through online shopping.

The victim provided transaction history from the bank account. The transactions began in February and ended April 1. The total amount of unauthorized transactions was $4,621.

After the NPD conducted an investigation, they identified Garza as a potential suspect. Police discovered he had used the victim’s debit card number to purchase items over the phone at local businesses and through online shopping.

The victim filed an affidavit with the bank and was reimbursed the money lost, making the bank now a victim of the theft.

Garza was arrested and taken to the Jasper County Jail Friday. He posted bail Saturday, which was set at $1,000. He is to appear in court Wednesday.