Former Texas Department of Health Employee Charged with Identity Theft

Over the past few years, the image of the US Health Department has often been stained because of fraud-related crimes committed by the organization’s employees. Now, law enforcement authorities have identified another fraud case.

38-year-old Selena Patino, a former employee of the Texas Department of Health and Human Service worker in Mount Pleasant, has been charged with identity theft after numerous individuals filed complaints with the Titus County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators say the woman stole the personal details of customers who had benefitted from the services provided by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services in Mount Pleasant, and used the information to apply for credit cards online, the Daily Tribune reports.

After the payment cards were approved, she used them to make various purchases.

Authorities believe that hundreds might be affected and they urge all those who used the medical institution’s services to check their credit reports.

Patino has been charged with fraudulent use or possession of identifying information and credit cards abuse. For the first accusation, she could spend as many as 20 years in prison if found guilty.