Idaho patient stole relative's identity to pay for dentures, police say

A woman from Idaho Falls, Idaho, has been arrested and charged with stealing a relative's identity to pay for dentures that cost more than $3,000, East Idaho News reported.

A woman called the Bonneville County (Idaho) Sheriff’s office Aug. 18 to report that she had been served papers saying she owed money for unpaid dental bills for services she did not receive, according to court documents obtained by East Idaho News. According to police, the woman told detectives she suspected a relative, Toni Jo Lepper, stole her identity to apply for credit at the dental practice.

Detectives said they questioned Ms. Lepper about the alleged opening of credit at the dental practice, to which she allegedly responded that she needed dentures, according to East Idaho News. She also said she would have opened the account in her own name, but the dental office would not grant her permission.

Ms. Lepper was arrested Oct. 23 and charged with felony grand theft by larceny, embezzlement and other charges, East Idaho News reported. Her preliminary hearing is slated for Nov. 13. She could face up to 14 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

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