Nazareth Woman Faces 79 Charges in Identity Theft Scam, Police Say

A Nazareth woman faces 79 charges for her alleged involvement in an identity theft scam for buying luxury items with stolen credit card numbers, police said.

"It was a monthlong investigation," Police Chief Thomas Trachta said. "She got involved with someone on the Internet and she was getting stuff delivered to her house. It was identity theft from all over the country."

Police have charged Cheryl Ann Fucci, 48, of S. Church Street, with 27 counts of receiving stolen property, 13 counts of identity theft, 13 counts of conspiracy to commit identity theft, 13 counts of forgery and 13 counts of conspiracy to commit forgery, court papers said.

Fucci allegedly received Gucci watches, computers, clothing, fragrances, shoes and electronics for a combined value of $8,426 from June 1 through Aug. 1, court papers said. Some of the retailers involved were Boscov's and Macy's.

According to an affidavit, Fucci obtained the items with stolen credit card information from numerous people. She had an Internet relationship with a Mark Terrel, who was in the military in Pakistan for more than a year, the affidavit states.

Patrolman Daniel Troxell conducted the investigation.

Fucci was taken into custody Tuesday and arraigned before District Judge John Capobianco of Nazareth and sent to Northampton County Prison on $25,000 with a detainer on her for probation.