Chiasson jailed for ID theft

Stealing someone else?s identity will cost a local woman 90 days behind bars and another six years on probation.

The defendant, Johanna Chiasson, entered a no-contest plea to charges of identity theft and prescription fraud for the crime she committed last year, targeting her landlord as the victim. In addition to her jail and probation time, Chiasson must make restitution for the $250 she stole.

Chiasson stole the identity of an Illinois man from whom she had rented a house in Westwood. Police believe she committed the crime by using information she received at her rented Westwood home to obtain a credit card under false pretenses. The single charge made on the credit card was $250 for dental work for Chiasson?s daughter. However, the victim says the card had a $6,500 credit limit, meaning matters could have been much worse.

Chiasson was caught after the credit card bill was sent to the landlord in Illinois. The victim, knowing he had not made the charges or even obtained the credit card, called his credit card company and McMinnville police. The victim said he was planning to evict Chiasson anyway due to non-payment of rent.

The Illinois couple plans to retire to the house in the coming years. The couple admitted the Chiassons appeared to be a nice, professional couple. The victims say they will conduct background and reference checks before making any future rentals.