Columbus police arrest pair for fraudulent credit cards

COLUMBUS — The Columbus Police Department recently arrested a couple for stealing someone’s identity and opening several credit cards in a local resident’s name.

Kevin Brian Adams, 45, and Christy Leigh Adams, 43, both of Melrose Avenue, Tryon, were arrested recently by Columbus and the Hendersonville police departments. 

Kevin Adams was charged by Columbus with felony identity theft, three counts of felony obtaining property by false pretenses and three felony counts of larceny by employee, according to Columbus Police reports.

Christy Adams was charged by the Hendersonville Police Department, according to the Columbus Police Department.

According to Columbus Police Chief Scott Hamby, in July, a Columbus officer responded to a town resident regarding someone stealing her identity. The victim told officers that several credit cards had been opened under her name, without her permission or knowledge.

Hamby said the investigation led to the discovery that Kevin Adams had obtained the victim’s information while doing some electrical work at her home. It was also discovered that Adam’s wife, Christy, had both allegedly opened credit cards in the victim’s name in Hendersonville.

“The credit cards were then used at Belk’s Department store in Hendersonville by Kevin and Christy Adams,” Hamby said. “The case led the Columbus police officers on another investigation involving Kevin Adams.”

In August, a local electrical contractor reported that a credit card for his company had been fraudulently used by Kevin Adams, Hamby said. The contractor reported that Adams was a former employee and had not worked for him since March.

Hamby said Adams allegedly used a company credit card and charged more than $700 worth of merchandise without the contractor’s knowledge or permission.

“Columbus and Hendersonville police departments worked together during the investigation,” Hamby said.

Columbus issued warrants against Adams for the crimes committed within Columbus’ jurisdiction and Hendersonville issued warrants for the crimes committed with Hendersonville’s jurisdiction, against both Kevin and Christy Adams.

Earlier this month, Kevin Adams pleaded guilty to felony obtaining property by false pretenses in Polk County, and is still facing charges in Hendersonville, according to Columbus reports.

Christy Adams is still facing her charges in Hendersonville, with her next court date scheduled for Tuesday.