Ellensburg, Washington – A former employee of the Red Lion Hotel in Ellensburg, Washington, has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of identity theft and theft following allegations of unauthorized use of customer credit card information. The arrest, made on Sunday morning, highlights the ongoing threat of data breaches and the importance of safeguarding personal financial data.
Alexyss Lynn King, 24, is accused of stealing credit card information from hotel customers and using it for personal purchases. According to the Ellensburg Police Department, King allegedly used a customer’s credit card to purchase a pizza and tickets to a showing of ‘Zootopia 2’ at a theater in Yakima, Washington.
investigators determined that King admitted to collecting credit card details and storing them in a computer programme at the hotel for later,unauthorized use.The extent of the compromised data and the number of affected customers are currently under examination.
Kittitas County Deputy Prosecutor Donald McCubbin Jr. emphasized the seriousness of the charges, stating that the offenses are “vrey disturbing and serious.” He anticipates that additional charges may be filed as the investigation progresses and more potential victims are identified.
King has been booked into the Kittitas County Jail on two counts of second-degree identity theft and two counts of second-degree theft. The case is currently being prosecuted by the Kittitas County Prosecutor’s Office. Authorities are urging anyone who recently used a credit card at the Red Lion Hotel in Ellensburg and notices any suspicious activity to contact their bank and the Ellensburg Police Department immediately.
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