GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A man who allegedly made dozens of fraudulent credit card purchases from information obtained by a waitress accomplice pleaded not guilty Monday.
No trial date was set for Brandon Washington, 27, on 22 counts, including 21 of misappropriating identification information to obtain money. Trial was scheduled for Oct. 21, court records show.
Although prosecutors said last week they intend to file additional counts, none were added Monday.
According to the criminal complaint, two customers who at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Ashwaubenon were notified by their credit card company about suspicious purchases in Minnesota, so they notified police.
The restaurant identified one waitress has having complaints against her for an issue with a credit card.
The waitress — who has not been charged at this point, so FOX 11 is not naming her — told police Washington said he would give her $100 for every ten credit cards she would steal for him. She would use the camera on her phone to take pictures of credit cards and ID cards. However, when she only got $150 and the police started asking questions, she said she stopped helping him.
“(The waitress) stated that she would ask customers for their ID’s, indicating that she was verifying information. (She) stated that it became difficult for her to use her phone without drawing suspicion, so she would write it down or try to remember the information. (She) also admitted that she would try to engage customers in an attempt to solicit information about their address and zip codes,” the complaint states. “Brandon told her that he was using the stolen credit cards to make purchases on-line and pay for other people’s bills.”
Police searched Washington’s apartment, and found about 1,000 blank checks with nobody’s name on them, a credit card skimmer, and a variety of credit cards. Police also recovered text message between Washington and the waitress with details about the exchange of information. Washington said none of the items belonged to him.
Police also found images on the waitress’ phone of credit card, receipts and driver’s licenses.
The criminal complaint lists 20 different victims that have specific charges, but also identifies more than 20 other possible victims.
The waitress investigators say Washington was working with hasn’t been arrested. When we asked why, deputies told us a physical arrest would be inappropriate, due to the suspect’s medical condition.
