Evansville, Wyoming – Two individuals were arrested at a local Evansville hotel after police uncovered an alleged multi-state fraud and identity theft operation involving forged documents, stolen property, and outstanding warrants across several states. Authorities say the case expanded quickly after officers discovered false identification and a vehicle reported stolen out of Colorado.
Incident Overview
The Evansville Police Department announced that the arrests stem from a call involving two hotel guests who were unable to pay for their room and refused to leave the property. What initially appeared to be a trespassing issue evolved into a broader criminal investigation involving identity theft, fraud, and controlled substances.
Timeline of Events
According to a department release, the incident occurred on January 22 when Evansville Police Officers Hawes and Dudley were dispatched to a local hotel. Hotel staff reported that two individuals had failed to pay for their stay and were refusing to vacate the room.
Upon arrival, officers made contact with the pair, who provided names and driver’s licenses. During routine verification, officers discovered that the names and identification documents did not belong to the individuals presenting them.
Details From Police
As the investigation continued, officers located multiple forms of identification and Social Security cards, all believed to belong to other individuals. Police also identified a vehicle associated with the suspects, which raised additional concerns.
Further investigation revealed that the vehicle had been reported stolen from a dealership in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and was allegedly obtained through fraudulent means.
The Colorado Springs Police Department is now conducting a related investigation and is working to secure felony warrants connected to the vehicle theft.
Key Facts in the Case
- Incident date: January 22
- Location: Evansville, Wyoming
- Crimes alleged: Fraud, identity theft, forged documents
- Additional evidence: Multiple IDs, Social Security cards
- Vehicle status: Reported stolen in Colorado Springs
- Controlled substance: Marijuana, felony-level quantity
- Warrant origins: Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico
Suspect Information
Police eventually confirmed the true identities of both individuals and determined that both had outstanding warrants from other jurisdictions.
The male suspect, Joshua Mettler, was found to have five outstanding warrants, two of which are extraditable. The female suspect had three outstanding warrants, also with two extraditable. Authorities confirmed that the warrants originated from Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico.
Charges Filed and Pending
In addition to the outstanding warrants, police say both suspects were charged with multiple felony offenses, including:
- Possession of forged documents
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Interference with a peace officer
- Willfully obtaining personal identifying information of another to obtain credit, goods, or services
Investigators are also requesting an additional charge of possession of stolen property, pending prosecutorial review.
According to the police release:
“In addition to the outstanding warrants, both individuals were charged with possession of forged documents, possession of a controlled substance, interference with a peace officer, and willfully obtaining personal identifying information of another in an attempt to obtain credit, goods, or services.”
Authorities further alleged that at least one identity was obtained by breaking into a vehicle, expanding the scope of the investigation.
Additional Context: Identity Theft and Public Safety
Identity theft cases often involve extensive networks and can impact victims for years through damaged credit, financial loss, and legal complications. Law enforcement agencies across states frequently collaborate when crimes involve fraud rings, stolen vehicles, and forged documentation.
Police encourage the public to safeguard personal documents, avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, and report suspicious activity promptly.
Conclusion
What began as a hotel disturbance escalated into a significant multi-state criminal investigation involving fraud, identity theft, stolen property, and extraditable warrants. Authorities say additional charges and arrests remain possible as related investigations continue.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If you have information related to identity theft or suspicious activity in your area, law enforcement encourages you to report it. Share your experiences in the comments below.
