GWINNETT COUNTY — A group of men is accused of dressing like women, stealing from members of area gyms and then using the stolen credit cards commits fraud.
Several fitness gyms had similar incidents where a group of young men who were dressed as women would go into the fitness centers seeking a gym membership. These incidents occurred in November and December 2019.
Thieves struck fitness centers throughout the county.
· 11/27/19 – Planet Fitness – 1900 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain
· 12/18/19 – Gold’s Gym – 860 Duluth Highway, Lawrenceville
· 12/22/19 – LA Fitness – 3420 Buford Drive, Buford
· 12/28/19 – LA Fitness – 6131 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners
Investigators said that some victims left their credit and debit cards inside of their vehicles and that shortly after their cars were stolen, they got fraud notices from their credit card company. A few of the stolen vehicles were recovered in Atlanta.
The assigned detective was able to identify two of the possible suspects, Tarquinnious Mack (age 17, Atlanta) and Dequavis Smith (age 18, Atlanta). According to a statement released by the police, Mack has active warrants for four counts of felony Theft by Taking, four counts of Financial Transaction Card (FTC) Theft, and two counts of FTC Fraud. Smith has active warrants for two counts of felony Theft by Taking, two counts of FTC Theft, and one count of FTC Fraud. Their current whereabouts are unknown.
The detective in this case is looking into the possibility that other suspects could also be involved in this series of crimes.
If anyone knows of Smith’s or Mack’s whereabouts or knows who else could be involved, please contact GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300. To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com. Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case. Case Number: 19-109915, 19-116857, 19-118032, & 19-120008
— Staff Reports
