BEDFORD – A Williams woman is facing felony charges after Bedford Police Detective Travor Shelhart says a woman lost her debit card and 38-year-old Tonya Johnson went on a spending spree with it.
Johnson is facing charges of theft, counterfeiting, and fraud.
According to police, on March 16, 2023, at 2:47 p.m., a woman reported she had lost her Hoosier Hills Credit Union debit card at an unknown location. When she contacted the credit union, she realized someone had used it. There were seven transactions totaling $1,579.85.
Detective Shelhart received video footage from Walmart that captured Johnson making purchases with the debit card.
Johnson then used the card at Buffalo Wings & Rings, and she used the victim’s name when placing the order.
The card was then used again at El Compadre in Mitchell. Johnson was captured on video picking up the order.
Johnson then used to card to send $1,250 to her neice.
On March 23, 2023, Detective Shelhart contacted the victim, who reported she had found her card on March 21. The card was found on the floorboard of her vehicle. But she didn’t understand how charges could be made if the card was in her vehicle. But police proved the card had been used. They also showed the victim photos of Johnson. She said she knew Johnson because she was a family friend and would babysit her children. The victim told police she wanted charges pursued.
Detective Shelhart attempted to contact Johnson numerous times; however, she would not return phone messages.
The information was forwarded to the Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office and a warrant was issued for Johnson’s arrest.
