Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre announced a Thibodaux man already in jail for identity theft has been charged with additional counts. Brent Poiencot (age 41) faces five additional counts of identity theft following an investigation.
In October 2016, detectives began investigating multiple cases involving someone attempting to open credit card accounts using other people’s personal information. Through investigation, detectives developed Brent Poiencot as the suspect and obtained a search warrant for his residence on Renee Drive. During a search of the residence, detectives discovered evidence of identity theft. Detectives then obtained a warrant for Poiencot’s arrest for four counts of Identity Theft. Poiencot was then arrested by Morgan City Police during a traffic stop on January 31, 2017. He was booked into the Lafourche Parish Detention Center the following day.
Meanwhile, detectives had begun investigating additional complaints of identity theft. Through investigation, detectives learned Poiencot allegedly opened a bank account in the name of a Lafourche Parish resident and deposited checks which he had stolen and altered. Following the investigation, detectives obtained warrants charging Poiencot with five additional counts of Identity Theft. He was booked on those charges on Tuesday, June 13. Detectives say investigations are continuing, and additional charges are possible.
Sheriff Webre is reminding residents to review your credit history often to watch for any unusual or unauthorized activity. Citizens can go to www.AnnualCreditReport.com to obtain one free credit report online each year. If any unusual or unauthorized activity is discovered, contact the creditor to investigate the nature of the activity, and write down any and all relevant information. When possible, freeze or close the accounts, and then contact the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office to report the fraudulent activity. You should also contact the three major credit reporting agencies (TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian) and request a “flag” on your account. This will trigger the agencies to notify you if anyone attempts to open a line of credit in your name.
