SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. — District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney has announced the arrests of six individuals involved in a sophisticated identity theft and grand larceny scheme targeting Lowe’s stores across Suffolk County. The accused are Ananda Gabriel, Aameer Waight, Abilio Sanchez, Anthony Colon, Rashad Provost, and Jonathan Lynce, who allegedly engaged in fraudulent activities that compromised the personal security of numerous victims nationwide.
From October 2023 to February 2024, the defendants reportedly opened multiple Lowe’s credit card accounts using stolen identities from individuals across the United States. These accounts were then used to unlawfully purchase over $25,000 in gift cards from various Lowe’s locations in Suffolk County, including Commack, Bay Shore, Farmingdale, Medford, and Stony Brook.
In a related fraudulent activity, Ananda Gabriel is accused of renting an apartment in Patchogue under the identity of another Suffolk County resident without their knowledge or consent, and has reportedly not paid any rent for the premises since moving in.
“These arrests reflect a significant breach of trust and personal security for the victims involved,” stated DA Tierney. “Identity theft not only harms the direct victims but also imposes significant costs on businesses and can cause widespread disruption and distress.”
The case highlights the ongoing challenges of identity theft and the importance of safeguarding personal information. The investigation is ongoing, and the suspects face serious charges that reflect the severity of their alleged crimes.
