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Tips lead to suspect in auto theft, credit card fraud
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The Effingham County Sheriffs Office is asking for the publics help in identifying two credit card fraud suspects.

The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office credits tips from the public with helping them catch a man wanted for car theft and credit card fraud.


Richard Reason, 44, of Springfield was arrested Wednesday and charged with theft by taking an automobile and five counts of financial transaction card fraud.


According to the ECSO, Reason stole a vehicle from a home on Old Tusculum Road on Aug. 3. When investigators found the car, its owner said a credit card that had been inside it was missing.


Investigators tracked the card’s activity and saw it had been used at Parker’s store in Springfield.


“After ECSO asked for the public’s help in identifying the suspect from video surveillance, multiple tips came in,” said sheriff’s office spokesman Detective David Ehsanipoor. “Putting it out to the media and getting the public’s tips were helpful to our investigation.”


He has been arrested several times before on charges including theft and burglary, Ehsanipoor said.

Pair of fraud suspects sought
In a separate case, the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in identifying two credit card fraud suspects.


Investigators say a credit card stolen in a vehicle break-in June was used to make several purchases at different area Parker’s stores in the Savannah area.


The suspects (see photos) — one man and one woman — were captured on video surveillance. They were seen driving a silver sport utility vehicle.


Anyone who can identify the suspects or has any information is asked to contact the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office at 754-3449.