Identity Theft Ringleader Arrested (Photo) -04/24/20

Last week, Central Precinct's Neighborhood Response Team (NRT) received a tip about an identity theft ringleader in Portland. The suspect was identified as 43-year-old Robert Dean Coss. Through their investigation, officers learned that Coss recruited others and taught them how to make fake identifications, transfer credit card data, and steal people's identities. Officers also learned that car prowls were his main source of gaining victim information. After considerable follow up and surveillance, officers learned that Coss was living in a motel in the 4800 block of Northeast 97th Avenue. Officers obtained information that Coss was living with several other people and was using this location as his base of operations. On Thursday, April 23, 2020, the Portland Police Bureau's Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT) executed a search warrant at the location. Officers found Coss in the act of making himself another fake Oregon identification. Coss was taken into custody at the scene. Investigators located and seized a laptop, printing equipment, stolen identifications, passports, stolen government savings bonds, checkbooks, drugs, and other items of evidence. Investigators also located 5 fake Oregon identifications on his person. Coss was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on three counts of Aggravated Identity Theft, three counts of Forgery in the First Degree, five counts of Possession of a Forged Instrument, three counts of Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card, and outstanding felony warrants related to drugs and identity theft. ###PPB###