Michael Todd Watters, 48, formerly of 409 Caballero Road, Ocoee, was arrested recently in Georgia on a warrant stemming from an identity fraud investigation conducted by FDLE agents.
Watters, who was in federal custody, was charged with 22 counts of criminal use of personal identification information by the Office of Statewide Prosecution. Some of his victims included nationally recognized sports figures and celebrities with Florida residencies.
In September 2015, Altamonte Springs Police Department received information about alleged drug use involving Watters. At the time, Watters identified himself under an alias. During a search, officers found several counterfeit driver’s licenses and upon further investigation found evidence that the defendant intended to engage in the fraudulent and counterfeit activity.
FDLE agents assumed the case at Altamonte’s request and determined, through investigative techniques, that Watters had obtained personal information of at least 22 people. Agents learned information found on counterfeit driver’s licenses matched the true numbers and or dates of birth belonging to actual victims. In other instances, victims’ information was used on blank counterfeit checks.
Watters is in the Seminole County Jail on a $220,000 bond. The Office of Statewide Prosecution is prosecuting the case.
To reduce the chances you will become a victim of identity theft, visit Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Preventing Identity Theft page.
