University of Florida tips off Alabama officials to woman’s alleged higher ed identity theft scheme
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University of Florida tips off Alabama officials to woman’s alleged higher ed identity theft scheme

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An Alabama woman is under arrest after authorities say she assumed multiple identities in a theft scheme that seemingly targeted higher education officials in other states.

Meredith Diane Craft, a 45-year-old Phenix City woman, is charged with multiple crimes, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators believe Craft has stolen more than $48,000 so far, and more charges are expected, said Sheriff Jay Jones.

The investigation began Sept. 20 when the sheriff’s office received an online report from the University of Florida in reference to someone assuming the identity of Donald Pope-Davis, the president of the Council of Academic Deans for Research Education Institutions.

Pope-Davis is dean of the College of Education and Human Ecology at Ohio State University.

Craft, using the identity of Pope-Davis, instructed the payment of $23,400 be paid to her by another organization officer. That happened in August, according to charging documents.

On Sept. 22, sheriff’s investigators carried out a search warrant at Craft’s home in the 200 block of Lee Road 2040 in Phenix City.

At that time, authorities said, investigators found evidence of more fraudulent activity and identified more victims, including Seneca Jensen, president of the Idaho Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, and Dr. Gene Bruno, of the American Board of Animal Acupuncture.

“It was determined that Craft assumed multiple identities and acted in character to defraud her victims,’’ Jones said.

Investigators have determined that bout $48,267 so far.

Craft is charged with three counts of criminal impersonation, two counts each of third-degree forgery, first-degree theft of property, possession of a forged instrument, and second-degree forgery. She is charged with one count each of second-degree theft of property and identity theft.

Craft is out of jail on $34,000 bond.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 334-749-5651 or Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867).