Louisiana Man Arrested For Identity Theft After Allegedly Fraudulently Opening More Than 15 Accounts

Lake Charles, Louisiana – A Louisiana man has been arrested for identity theft after allegedly fraudulently opening more than 15 accounts.

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) reported on May 5, 2023, that in October 2022, Financial Crimes detectives received a report regarding identity theft.

During the first inquiry, investigators were informed by the victim that various credit cards, loans, and bank accounts had been opened in his name. Investigators found at least 15 other accounts that the suspect, later identified as Blake W. Fontana, 28, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, had allegedly fraudulently opened. After further examination, Judge Clayton Davis signed a $6,000 arrest warrant for Fontana in March.

During a vehicle stop on May 2, police from the Westlake Police Department located Fontana. Fontana, who is currently on parole for previous charges of identity theft and forgery, was arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center, where he was charged with four counts of identity theft $1,000 or more, eleven counts of identity theft less than $300, and charges related to the traffic stop.

Throughout the inquiry, police reportedly discovered Fontana had access to mail belonging to multiple residents of a mobile home park off Tom Hebert Road in Lake Charles. Authorities are continuing their investigation and are in the process of contacting anyone who may have been victims.

Detective Steffan Weekly of the CPSO is the case’s principal investigator.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.