Record cleared for Edgecombe teen accused of ID theft

Investigators said they busted the largest case of identity theft ever in Edgecombe County and a 17-year-old is one of the people responsible.

Troy Davis faces 130 charges for stealing IDs and using them for a shopping spree. Investigators said Davis went through Edgecombe County, stealing mail from people's boxes on the side of the road. He then reportedly used personal information from the mail to apply for credit cards, which he used to buy things online or by phone.

Kimberly Stewart said she did not get mail for a week. Then one day, two cell phones ordered with her husband's name showed up at the door. After a couple calls, Stewart found out someone had stolen her husband's identity.

"Knowing someone's got all your information, that's kind of scary," she said.

Deputies said, through dozens of victims, Davis spent more than $100,000. With help from the U.S. Postal Service, investigators traced the charges to Davis and stopped most purchases before they went through.

The Stewarts said they are now taking extra precautions.

"We did get a P.O. Box, so we'll get our mail there from now on," she said.

Investigators said they expect at least two more arrests in the case and Davis could face more charges.

Officials said ID theft victims are typically the first to notice something is wrong. In an overwhelming number of cases, victims stumble across the fraud. In more than half of the cases, irregularities are spotted in bank accounts or credit card statements. Experts suggest the important thing is to make sure you read your statements.