On Tuesday, November 1, 2016 the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Financial Crimes Unit arrested 33 year old Timothy Brian Lauermann on 5 counts of Financial Identity Fraud.
On September 15, 2016 Bibb County Sheriff’s Deputies were called to the Guitar Center located at 4551 Billy Williamson Drive in reference to an incident involving financial transaction card fraud. An online purchase for $4,280.00 was received on a credit card that was discovered to be stolen.
On October 12, 2016 Bibb County Sheriff’s Deputies were called to the Home Depot, located at 4653 Presidential Parkway in reference to an incident involving identity theft. It was reported that a credit account was opened through Home Depot. A white male entered the store and attempted to purchase over $1,000.00 worth of merchandise with a credit card. While processing the transaction, an employee was alerted to contact the credit center in reference to the transaction. It was discovered that the male was attempting to purchase the items with a credit card that was fraudulent. The male suspect became suspicious and left the store.
During the investigation it was discovered that Timothy Lauermann is responsible for the theft of personal identifying information and financial information from victims and used that information in the two incidents that occurred at the Guitar Center and Home Depot and that he attempted to make the purchases. Investigators served a search warrant on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at the residence of Lauermann which is 648 Lynmore Avenue. Several items were seized as evidence in relation to the investigation of Lauermann and the financial identity fraud. Lauermann was also arrested at the residence and charged with the Financial Identity Fraud. He was transported to the Bibb County Law Enforcement Center. Lauermann has a bond of $14,750.00.
The incidents remain under investigation and anyone with information in reference to the incidents is urged to contact the Bibb Sheriff’s Office at 478-751 -7500, or Macon Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-877-68CRIME.