Identity theft suspect claims she was just helping victim build credit
Lang
6/25/19
A suspect in an Iowa City identity theft case claims she did it to help her victim build his credit.
51-year-old Kimberly Williams of Cedar Falls is accused of obtaining a Discover card in the victim’s name in May of 2016. Between May of 2016 and May of 2019 Williams allegedly went over the maximum credit of $1,000 at least three times, missed at least one payment, redeemed $63.66 in bonus cashback awards, and made a total of $2,280.79 in purchases and cash advances.
The victim, who lived on South Dubuque Street, only noticed the fraud when he attempted to get a car loan.
When questioned about the identity theft, Williams told investigators she did it to help the victim build his credit.
Williams I charged with Identity Theft of Between $1,000 and $10,000. If convicted, she faces a maximum of five years in prison.
On June 18th Williams’ husband, identified as 47-year-old Michael Francis of Cedar Falls, allegedly contacted the victim via email and threatened to expose his past wrongdoings if he proceeded with the case. Francis allegedly specifically wrote that if the victim did not drop the charges against his wife, “it will be a terrible mess to watch”.
The victim felt threatened by Francis’ email.
Francis is charged with 3rd Degree Harassment and Tampering with a Witness or Juror. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 25 months in prison.