AT LARGE: Salem Woman Allegedly Befriends People then Steals their Money
(HILLSBORO, Ore) — October 29, 2014--Washington County Sheriff's Property Crime Unit Detectives are searching for additional theft victims following the indictment of a Salem woman.
There are several victims identified in multiple jurisdictions.
Detectives fear there may be additional victims as the suspect befriends people then apparently steals from them.
Last August, Sheriff's Deputies were contacted by a woman who was claiming that Vicheka Ly, 23, from Salem.
Sheriff's Deputies investigated the complaint and the Sheriff's Property Crimes Unit Detectives were contacted to assist with the case.
Preliminary information was that Ms. Ly had befriended the victim earlier this year then moved in to the victim's residence.
The victim began noticing suspicious behavior by Ms. Ly who apparently was unemployed but would routinely go on shopping sprees purchasing expensive items.
Prior to calling the Sheriff's Office on August 28, 2014, the victim found her credit card was used on an apparent shopping spree.
The victim also found several thousand dollars in cash was stolen.
Property Crime Unit Detectives began processing evidence and interviewed anyone who may have knowledge of the case.
There was surveillance video obtained that detectives confirmed was Ms. Ly using a stolen credit.
During a search warrant, detectives discovered several credit cards in Ms. Ly's possession that belonged to other victims.
Detectives discovered there were similar cases in Hillsboro, Portland and Clackamas County where Ms. Ly is suspected of similar criminal behavior.
The Hillsboro case reported Ms. Ly as using a stolen friend's credit card and charging over $7,500 in one day.
The details are not available on the Portland and Clackamas County cases.
On October 24, 2014, the case was presented to a Washington County Grand Jury.
Vicheka Ly was indicted and charged with 1st Degree Aggravated Theft, 1st degree Theft and three counts of Identity Theft.
There is also a Clackamas County warrant for Forgery charges.
Vicheka Ly's location is unknown, she could be anywhere in the metropolitan area.
Detectives are seeking the public's help regarding this case or possible additional unreported crimes committed by Ms Ly.
If you have any information, please call the Washington County Sheriff's Office Detective Division at (503) 846-2500.
