Lake Charles, LA –
In October 2022, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Financial Crimes detectives received a report in reference to identity theft.
During the initial investigation detectives were advised by the victim multiple credit cards, loans, and checking accounts had been opened under his name. Detectives discovered at least 15 different accounts that were fraudulently opened by the suspect, later identified as Blake W. Fontana, 28, Lake Charles. In March, after further investigation, Judge Clayton Davis signed a warrant in the amount of $6,000 for Fontana’s arrest.
On May 2, officers with the Westlake Police Department located Fontana during a traffic stop. Fontana, who is currently on parole for previous charges of identity theft and forgery, was arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center and charged with 4 counts of identity theft $1,000 or more; 11 counts of identity theft less than $300; as well as charges stemming from the traffic stop.
During the course of the investigation, detectives learned Fontana had possession of mail belonging to numerous residents who live in a mobile home park off Tom Hebert Road in Lake Charles. Detectives are continuing their investigation and are currently in the process of contacting those potential victims.
CPSO Detective Steffan Weekly is the lead investigator on this case.
An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.