70-year-old suspect found with 40 bank cards and $16,000 in gift card receipts; detectives seek additional victims
A 70-year-old Kentucky woman has been arrested on a Flagler County fugitive warrant after allegedly stealing thousands of dollars from a Palm Coast resident’s bank account and purchasing gift cards with the stolen funds.
Judy Nieman Lalone of Adairville, Kentucky, was taken into custody without incident at her residence on October 20 by the Adairville Police Department. She is being held pending extradition to Flagler County to face charges.
The Investigation
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Major Case Unit began investigating in August after a Palm Coast victim reported multiple unauthorized charges on her bank statement, including a bank card replacement fee.
Detectives determined that Nieman Lalone fraudulently obtained a replacement card that was mailed to her Kentucky home. Between August 20 and August 25, she allegedly completed four separate unauthorized transactions at bank ATMs, withdrawing thousands of dollars from the victim’s checking account. She also purchased an Adairville gas station.
The victim has no known connection to the suspect. Detectives are still investigating how Nieman Lalone obtained the victim’s personal information.
Discovery of Additional Evidence
At the time of her arrest, Nieman Lalone was in possession of approximately 40 other bank cards and gift cards, along with gift card receipts totaling approximately $16,000 that she had purchased.
Detectives from the Logan County Sheriff’s Office and FCSO are working to identify any additional victims. Anyone with information regarding this investigation should contact their local law enforcement agency.
Sheriff’s Statement
Sheriff Rick Staly praised the coordination between agencies.
“This arrest is a testament to the hard work and coordination between our detectives and law enforcement partners in Kentucky to hold this thief accountable for her crimes,” Staly said. “This fugitive learned the hard way: You can run, but you cannot hide. State lines will not protect you. If you commit a crime and harm our residents in Flagler County, we will find you and arrest you.”
Staly thanked the Adairville Police Department and the Logan County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance.
Charges and Bond
Nieman Lalone was arrested as a fugitive from justice on a Flagler County warrant charging:
- Felony grand theft
- Fraudulent use of personal identification information of a victim 60 years of age or older
She was transported to the Logan County Detention Center, where she is being held on a $10,000 bond.
The case highlights the growing problem of identity theft and financial fraud targeting elderly victims. Florida law provides enhanced penalties for crimes committed against victims age 60 and older.
The discovery of dozens of additional bank cards and thousands of dollars in gift card receipts suggests the investigation may expand to include additional victims across multiple jurisdictions.
