Another Person Charged for Using Found Credit Card to buy Smokes

NEWPORT, RI-A second person has been charged with credit card fraud for using a local woman’s card to buy cigarettes at 7-Eleven on Broadway.

Newport police arrested Vernon G. Keys, 20, of 36 Knollwood Circle, North Kingstown, on Monday, almost exactly a month after the victim’s card was reportedly found on the ground and used multiple times to buy cigarettes and scratch-off lottery tickets.

Keys was seen by an officer on patrol in the area of Dr. Marcus Wheatland Boulevard at around 8:30 p.m., according to a police report. The officer was aware of an active warrant for credit card fraud and recognized him from previous police contacts. He was taken into custody without incident.

Keys was identified as a suspect during the investigation which was based heavily on surveillance footage taken at the store.

Police said they arrested a homeless man on Nov. 8 for using the card. During the investigation, detectives learned that Keys had also used the card to buy cigarettes in the amount of $18.64.

A store employee was able to identify Keys using a photo lineup, police said.

Police got a warrant for Keys’ arrest on Dec. 1.

He was held overnight for arraignment on Tuesday in Newport District Court.