Prosecutors: Caregiver went on Google Play buying binge - News - MailTribune.com - Medford, OR

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Prosecutors: Caregiver went on Google Play buying binge Wednesday Aug 23, 2017 at 4:53 PM Aug 23, 2017 at 4:53 PM Vickie Aldous Mail Tribune @VickieAldous A caregiver has been charged with aggravated identity theft after allegedly using an elderly woman's identity to go on a 19-day buying binge off Google Play. The official app store for Android mobile devices, Google Play also offers digital music, magazines, books, movies and television shows. Lisa Marie Smith, 56, of the 2100 block of North Keene Way Drive in Medford, faces charges of aggravated identity theft, first-degree criminal mistreatment, first-degree theft, second-degree forgery and two counts of identity theft. According to an indictment, Smith was taking care of an elderly woman in September and December 2016 when she unlawfully took the woman's money, used her personal identification to pay a phone bill and used at least one of the woman's personal checks. The indictment also accuses her of making Google Play purchases almost every day from Dec. 9 through Dec. 30, 2016 — actions that triggered the aggravated identity theft charge. Under Oregon law, aggravated identity theft occurs when someone commits identity theft 10 or more times within a 180-day period. It can also be triggered if the victim's losses reach $10,000 or more from one transaction or multiple transactions. Smith allegedly made Google Play purchases on 19 days during December 2016. Court documents did not list the total value of the purchases or specifically what she was buying. She was scheduled to be arraigned on the charges — plus charges from a 2013 case — on Wednesday, but failed to appear in Jackson County Circuit Court. A warrant was issued for her arrest. In 2013, Smith allegedly trespassed into Food 4 Less and stole merchandise valued at less than $100. She also allegedly was in possession of clonazepam, a drug used to treat anxiety, panic disorders and seizures. Smith has a long history of failing to appear in court on the charges of first-degree criminal trespassing, third-degree theft and unlawful possession of a controlled substance. — Reach staff reporter Vickie Aldous at 541-776-4486 or [email protected]. Follow her at www.twitter.com/VickieAldous.