Two Clayton residents face felony charges following an investigation into the theft and fraudulent use of an 82-year-old woman’s credit card.
According to an incident report filed on January 15th, Judy Buckner reported that her credit card had been used without her consent at multiple locations, including gas stations and a pizza restaurant. The fraudulent transactions began on January 13th, shortly after the suspects had performed yard work at Buckner’s residence.
Officers with the Clayton Police Department reviewed surveillance footage from several businesses. At Racetrac, video showed suspects Bettina Faith Darnell and Ronnie Carter purchasing items just after 1 pm. Footage also placed the pair at Tractor Supply Company and the 20 Penny station.
When interviewed, Darnell admitted to using the card but claimed it was accidental. “She must had picked up Judy Buckner’s Chase credit card and used it by mistake when she laid her own belongings down on Judy’s computer desk,” Darnell told the officer.
However, Buckner disputed this claim, stating she “does not ever leave her Chase credit card lying on the computer desk” and that it was kept inside her purse. Buckner also noted that Darnell “would have seen” her name written on the card.
Warrants were issued for both suspects on January 29th. Darnell, 36, is charged with burglary, financial transaction card theft, and three counts of financial transaction card fraud. Carter, 34, is charged with party to a crime and driving while license suspended or revoked.
