Member of “Theft Ring” Accused of Ripping Off Rochester Car Dealerships, Financial Institutions

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- An Illinois woman used a stolen identity to rip off a pair of Rochester car dealerships. 

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That’s according to a criminal complaint filed in Olmsted County Court this week. 

Rochester police began their investigation into the case in March after being informed of an auto loan taken out by a person using a stolen identity. The court document alleges the Illinois woman is part of a “theft ring.” 

Charges: Member of Theft Ring Used Stolen Identity to Take Out Loans on Two Vehicles from Rochester Dealerships

37-year-old Iesha Lomax of Niles, IL is charged with two felony counts of fraud in obtaining credit-money. 

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The charges allege Lomax used the identity of a woman who she knows to fraudulently obtain the vehicles. The woman told police Lomax had stolen her purse in the past. 

Under the woman’s name, Lomax took out a $20,636.75 auto loan for a Nissan Altima at a Rochester Nissan dealership and a  $19,010.66 to purchase a Chevy Equinox from Happy Hyundai of Rochester, according to the complaint. 

The charges say the Chevy and Nissan were two of four vehicles obtained by the theft ring using fake or stolen identities in the Spring of last year. 

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The Nissan was repossessed after no payments were made on the loan, according to the court document. 

The Chevy was towed from a lot in Bloomington after it was parked in the handicap stall. No payments were made on the loan for the Chevy, the complaint says. 

Lomax is being charged via summons. Her first court appearance is set for November.