CCSO INVESTIGATIONS HIGHLIGHT GROWING IDENTITY THEFT AND FRAUD CASES

DUARDO SANTIAGO, 55, of Douglas

JESUS IRENA VILLANUEVA, 24, of Douglas

Ja’varie Pristell-Gadson, 25, of Savannah

COFFEE COUNTY - Detectives with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigative Division have concluded multiple investigations involving identity theft, financial transaction card theft and fraud, resulting in felony charges against three individuals. The cases highlight an ongoing increase in financial and identity related crimes being investigated by CCSO detectives.

In one investigation, EDUARDO SANTIAGO, 55, of Douglas was identified after a purse was stolen from a shopping cart at a local Walmart on July 21, 2026. Financial transaction cards inside the purse were subsequently used without authorization at multiple businesses in Douglas. Santiago faces one count of Financial Transaction Card Theft and four counts of Financial Transaction Card Fraud, including violations of O.C.G.A. 16-9-33.

In a separate identity theft investigation, JESUS IRENA VILLANUEVA, 24, of Douglas, was arrested after detectives determined he allegedly used identifying information belonging to another individual, including an employment-issued debit card used to receive direct deposits. The investigation also uncovered false identification associated with the victim’s identity. 

Villanueva faces two counts of Identity Theft Fraud, one count of Aggravated Identity Fraud and two counts of Possession or Display of False Identification with Government Identification.

A third investigation began after a wallet containing multiple credit and debit cards was reported stolen following a furniture delivery. Detectives reviewed surveillance footage, financial records and other evidence before identifying 25-year-old Ja’varie Pristell-Gadson of Savannah. He was arrested July 31 and charged with three counts of Financial Transaction Card Fraud and one count of Theft by Taking. Additional charges may be forthcoming.

CCSO detectives continue to see an uptick in identity theft and financial fraud cases. Sheriff Fred Cole encourages residents to safeguard personal and financial information, monitor accounts regularly and report suspicious or unauthorized activity immediately. “If you are creating, distributing, selling or using fraudulent identification or stolen financial information, our detectives will follow the evidence and work to hold you accountable.”

Eduardo Santiago,  Jesus Irena Villanueva, And Ja’varie Pristell-Gadson Are Presumed Innocent Until Convicted.