Woman charged with identity theft in Lansford

Michelle Dakumuo, of 1840 Pine Ridge, Bushkill, faces charges from an incident which took place on Dec. 11, 2009 on the 700 block of E. Patterson St., Lansford, at 11:35 p.m.

Charges were filed by Officer Jason Helmer. Dakumuo is charged with identity theft, theft by unlawful taking, and receiving stolen property.

According to an affidavit of probable cause, Helmer was monitoring traffic in the 700 block of East Patterson Street when he saw a gray vehicle exceeding the posted 35 mph speed limit. He activated his lights and stopped the vehicle, a Chevrolet, at Chestnut and East Ridge streets.

The driver gave Helmer a driver's license bearing the name and photograph of a Vivianfaith Oloo. The photograph appeared to match the driver, and Helmer addressed her by the name on the license as they talked. The driver and a passenger, Marquis Wright, both said they were en route to work at a personal care facility at 29 E. Ridge St. in the borough.

Helmer checked the registration and found it was registered to a Willie J. Newberry and that the plate was last listed on a 1990 Nissan. Upon checking the VIN number, the car was last registered to a Michele Hill from Jenners, PA. The car was towed and impounded by Kutz Automotive.

Prior to clearing from the stop, the driver told Helmer that she had a new address, 1840 Pine Ridge, Bushkill. On Dec. 20, 2009, several citations were filed against Vivianfaith Oloo for violations that occurred on Dec. 11, 2009. On Jan. 3, 2010, Helmer received a call from Michelle Dakumuo, who advised him that Vivianfaith Oloo should not have received the citations because she was not driving the vehicle. Dakumuo stated that she should be responsible because it was her car.

On Jan. 4, 2010, Helmer was contacted by Detective Wendy Bentzoni from the Monroe County District Attorney's Office, who said Vivianfaith Oloo came into that office to report identity theft resulting from citations she had received in the mail.