PREBLE COUNTY — A woman accused of identity theft in Preble County has been arrested, according to a spokesperson with the Preble County Sheriff’s Office.
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Investigators conducted a search warrant at a home in the 4600 block of Lee Street in Lewisburg on March 26.
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“The search and investigation revealed that the suspect, Julie Rike, has been assuming the identity of a local resident,” the spokesperson said.
Rike allegedly bought a 2024 Chevrolet Malibu in the victim’s name in January. She reportedly used the victim’s license and personal information to get the car and loan.
Investigators found the victim’s driver’s license in Rike’s possession at the time of the search.
12 grams of suspected fentanyl were also found and seized, the spokesperson said.
Investigators also recovered the Chevrolet Malibu.
Rike was formally charged with two counts of possession of a fentanyl-related compound, identity fraud, falsification in a theft, and improper use of a certificate of title on Wednesday.
She has since posted bond, pending her next court appearance, the spokesperson said.
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