COFFEE COUNTY, Ga. - (WALB) - Three people are facing felony charges following separate investigations into identity theft, financial transaction card theft and fraud, according to the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office.

Eduardo Santiago, 55, of Douglas, was identified after a purse was reportedly stolen from a Walmart shopping cart. Investigators say financial cards inside the purse were later used without authorization at several Douglas businesses. He faces five financial transaction card theft and fraud charges.

Jesus Irena Villanueva, 24, of Douglas, was arrested in a separate identity theft case. Investigators say he allegedly used another person’s identifying information, including an employment-issued debit card. He faces five charges, including identity theft, aggravated identity fraud and false identification.

In a third case, Ja’varie Pristell-Gadson, 25, of Savannah, was arrested after a wallet containing multiple credit and debit cards was reported stolen following a furniture delivery. Investigators say surveillance footage and financial records helped identify him. He faces three counts of financial transaction card fraud and one count of theft by taking.

The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office says detectives continue to see an increase in identity theft and financial fraud cases.

Sheriff Fred Cole is urging residents to protect personal and financial information, monitor accounts regularly and report suspicious activity immediately.

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