OSU student has identity stolen while suspects are still on the run
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – A student at Oklahoma State University and an Oklahoma City family are now out thousands of dollars after an identity theft scheme concocted by two suspects still on the run last month.
“The suspects in this case utilized the real name of a person, purchased a vehicle from an auto dealership, and then posted that vehicle on a social media site,” said Dillion Quirk, with the Oklahoma City Police Department.
Officials said it started on March 26 when Gregory Hays Jr. purchased a 2017 Toyota RAV4 for $23,995 from The Key auto dealership off I240 in Oklahoma City.
Documents allege Hays Jr. purchased a vehicle and was approved for financing, which required documents that prove income, residency, employment, and identification.
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He allegedly got that information by using the identity of an Oklahoma State University student. From the driver’s license down to a gas bill, Hays Jr. allegedly had it all listed under the name of the student.
“All of that was completely forged, completely false documentation,” said Quirk.
It didn’t stop there. Five days later another victim needed a larger vehicle as he was in a growing young family. So this victim looked on Facebook Marketplace, where he saw a 2017 RAV4 for an excellent price, $11,500.
That victim messaged James Stephon Hill Jr., who had been selling it and allegedly told the victim it was a gift from his grandmother.
The two met up near 3100 Northwest 39th Street in OKC so that the victim could make sure everything was alright.
Officials said that Hill Jr. presented a car title for the vehicle under the name of Brandon Johnson. Then Hill Jr. allegedly sent a license under the name of Brandon Johnson. Everything seemed okay so the victim bought the vehicle.
“The second victim bought that vehicle for a lesser amount of money,” said Quirk. “Again, it appeared that it was a really good deal. But it is always a safe bet to meet at a financial institution to ensure that you have the right documentation when you’re purchasing that vehicle.”
Later the victim checked the VIN, and found out that it was reported stolen by the dealership. He reported it to police and returned the vehicle but never got back the $11,500.
Hill has been arrested for an incident involving Facebook Marketplace before. In 2018, he was arrested after trying to sell an iPhone on Marketplace, but snatched the woman’s money before the sale was made.
Documents allege that Hays Jr. is also identified and charged in a nearly identical incident that happened at the end of February in Oklahoma City, and that the vehicle is still missing.
There are now arrest warrants out for both of them, according to the Oklahoma City Police Department.
News 4 went to the last known address for Hays Jr., who seemed to be home but did not want to come to the door. He did, however, open his blinds a couple of times.
News 4 reached out to the OSU student who wanted to remain anonymous but said, “It was definitely a shock to find out someone stole my identity. Was a headache to get things figured out. Still trying to get things resolved as well.”
Police said that if you are looking to buy a vehicle through a social media platform, they suggest getting a financial expert to double-check that the person who is selling it is allowed to sell it.
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