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COFFEE COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) - The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Elsy Stefany Sanchez Lopez following an investigation into identity theft and forgery tied to local businesses.

According to investigators, Lopez used fraudulent identification documents, including another person’s Social Security card and identification. This was used to obtain employment at multiple local businesses between 2025 and 2026. Authorities say the investigation uncovered the use of several false identities. Once the fraudulent documents were confirmed, Lopez was terminated from her employment.

As a result of the investigation, Lopez is charged with two counts of identity theft and two counts of forgery.

The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office says the case underscores the importance of protecting personal information and verifying employee identities during the hiring process. Officials encourage anyone who believes their identity may have been compromised to report it immediately.

The investigation was conducted by the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division in coordination with the DICE Unit and federal partners. Lopez remains in custody, and investigators say additional charges may be forthcoming.

Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact the Criminal Investigation Division at 912-384-4227 or submit a tip through the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office app.

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