James C. Clay, 35, was arrested this week following a five-month investigation
EDISON -- Police have accused an Elizabeth man of using the identities of Edison residents to get loans and credit cards, according to officials.
James C. Clay, 35, was arrested Thursday following a five-month investigation in the identity theft scheme after police receiving several complaints from Edison residents in October, police Det. Jeff Tierney said in a release.
Clay is accused of diverting mail, hacking online accounts and applying for and receiving loans and credit cards under others' names, Tieney said.
"The search warrant that Edison police received for Mr. Clay's residence is one of the first in New Jersey ever issued to municipal police for an investigation into such a sophisticated identity theft case," Tierney said.
The amount of money allegedly netted in the scheme was not known.
Clay is being held without bail in Middlesex County jail on identity theft and fraud charges.
Police seized computers, smartphones and other evidence at Clay's home during his arrest, which Tierney said may lead to additional charges.
Elizabeth police and U.S. Postal Services Inspectors assisted in the investigation.
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