55-year-old Tangela Jackson was caught forging documents and stealing someone’s identity near Washington Street. On November 6th,2023, Steven Hawkins, a sales manager of a wholesale food company, stated that he spoke with Tangela Jackson, and she stated that her name was Tanisha Heaston. Hawkins also stated that they discussed a food order for 6000 dollars on a credit plan to be delivered to a restaurant, but Jackson had forgotten her driver’s license. Hawkins had told Jackson that she could text him the driver’s license, and he could make the credit application for her. Jackson completed the application and signed all the documents in the name of Tanisha Heaston.
A few days later, Hawkins called Jackson, stating that the credit application was not accepted and that she would have to pay the total price. She texted him the license and paid using a check she signed off on December 12th, 2023. On February 24th, 2024, the real Tanisha Heaston completed a scam report with the Memphis Police Department. Dana Harvey of Performance Foods notified her that her TN driver’s license was used to complete a food application order but was denied.
Heaston told Harvey that her vehicle was broken into and her license stolen on October 22nd, 2022. Heaston did not authorize Jackson to use her likeness or license in her name. Harvey gave investigators information about Tangela Jackson signing in Tanisha Heaston’s name. Harvey also gave officers bank statements showing the $6,000 fraudulent and unauthorized check. On March 1st, Hawkins presented officers with screenshots of the $6000 check and a screenshot of Jackson using Heaston’s license. Hawkins also identified Jackson from a photo lineup. A warrant was issued, and Jackson was taken into custody on May 11th for Forgery, theft of property, and identity theft.