Hilo Couple Charged With Credit Card, Identity Theft

A Hilo couple has been charged with identify theft and other offenses in connection with a stolen credit card.

Brandi McKee, 30, of Steven Giatroudakis, 33, were arrested Wednesday afternoon after police received a report that the pair was suspected of using a 21-year-old Hilo man’s credit card.

The victim told police that his wallet had allegedly been taken from a repair shop on Railroad Avenue.

He discovered it was missing after receiving calls from his financial institution reporting suspicious transactions at two retail stores on Makaala Street.

Police said McKee and Giatroudakis had previously stopped at the repair shop in their sports utility vehicle and then left the shop abruptly.

The victim and his wife spotted the SUV on Makaala and began following it. They then called police to report its location which led to the suspects’ arrests.

On Thursday, McKee and Giatroudakis were charged with theft and forgery of a credit card, second-degree identify theft, three counts of theft and two counts of fraudulent use of a credit card.

Bail for each was set at $15,750.

Police were able to recover the victim’s wallet and merchandise allegedly purchased with his credit card.

“Immediate reporting of crimes involving a stolen credit or debit card is critical to a timely solution,” said Lt. Greg Esteban of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section. “Other factors in preventing victimization include keeping credit cards and debit cards in a safe location and conducting periodic and regular checks on your statements.”