Marshall County Police received an initial report in late February from an independent on-line sales vendor for LulaRoe Clothing indicating an internet fraud and theft was happening in Marshall County. The victim provided police with records of a sale made by 40 year old Debra Fay Long of Bourbon, with confirmation that the items purchased were delivered to the address of Debra Long.
The victim then received notification of a charge back claiming a fraudulent transaction and the funds were then removed from the victim`s account. The victim provided social media posts from Debra Long showing that she is purchasing LulaRoe items from multiple independent vendors across the country and selling the same items.
While checking with various vendors online, the victim was able to compile a list of 33 independent retail vendors from LulaRoe company who have all received orders from Debra Long and then had the payments canceled.
The investigation by Detective Jeff Snyder revealed that Debra Long used various bank accounts in the names of Debra and Thomas Long to complete the on line purchases and then filed affidavits through the issuing banks claiming the transactions
to be fraudulent in order to stop payment after she received the clothing.
Debra Long was taken into custody Wednesday afternoon at her residence without incident and transported to the Marshall County Jail for the charges of Fraud on a financial institution and Theft. She was able to bond out immediately after paying $1,505.
The investigation remains ongoing. The case will be submitted to the Marshall County Prosecutor`s office for review of potential charges against 51 year old Thomas Long.
Listeners and readers are reminded that charging information supported by an affidavit of probable cause is merely an allegation that a crime has been committed and that there is only probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. They are presumed innocent throughout the proceedings and are entitled to be represented by counsel and entitled to a trial by jury at which the State is obligated to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt before a judgment of guilt may be made.
