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An individual from Niagara County contacted The New Hartford Police Department as well as surrounding agencies after it was learned that her credit card was used unlawfully at several Lowe’s Stores in the area. The victim provided details in this case that were used to track down the time and date in which the suspect had committed offenses locally in New Hartford. One crime in particular was committed at the Lowe’s store located on Middle Settlement Road in the Town of New Hartford.
With the assistance of Lowe’s Asset Protection, a suspect was developed and New Hartford Police Investigators revealed a pattern of identity theft and credit card fraud affecting multiple victims across several Lowe's stores in New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, indicating a coordinated effort to commit theft of merchandise using stolen identities and financial information.
The investigation in New Hartford concluded with an arrest of Jack E. Lizardo, 22 years of age, of Manhattan, NY. Lizardo was charged with Identity Theft 2nd, a Class E Felony and Petit Larceny, a Class A Misdemeanor for illegally obtaining merchandise from Lowe’s valued at $999.18. The New Hartford Police will continue to collaborate with Lowe’s Regional Asset Protection and Law Enforcement agencies from the State of New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio on those cases that are still be investigated. Lizardo surrendered himself to The New Hartford Police and was arraigned on these charges in The Town of New Hartford Court and he will reappear at a later date.
The New Hartford Police Department urges everyone to safeguard your personal information to the best of your ability and never give out information over the phone or participate in check cashing scams that will likely leave you as a victim of a financial or identity crime. Information on Identity Theft can be found at:
Information on Check Cashing Scams can be found at:
