Local

2 former bus drivers accused of running ID theft ring

FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Two former Fulton County school bus drivers are facing charges they were running an elaborate identity-theft ring out of a local hotel room.

Police told Channel 2's Mike Petchenik a victim in Connecticut called investigators after her credit card company noted fraudulent activity on the card at a Marriott property on Westside Parkway.

When officers got to the room, they said, they immediately became suspicious while talking to Edna Wright.

"Upon visually looking into the room while speaking to her, they noticed numerous credit cards and gift cards laid out on the table," said Officer George Gordon.

Gordon said a search of the hotel room, the Wrights' car and their apartment turned up equipment commonly used to manufacture bogus cards.

"They acquire the correct name to use by using the magnetic scanner to the back of the card," he said. "They'll take that information, emboss the actual name and other identifying numbers on the front of the card, and pass that off as being legitimate."

Petchenik confirmed the couple worked as bus drivers for the Fulton County school system. Spokeswoman Susan Hale confirmed the district only learned of the arrests after Channel 2 inquired about them. She said the Wrights were no longer employed by the department. Police said there's no evidence the couple's job played any role in the alleged crimes.

A woman who answered the door at the Wrights' Alpharetta apartment said they weren't home for comment. Petchenik reached Sherrod Wright by phone, and Wright said he would contact his attorney and get back in touch with Petchenik. So far, he's not heard back from Wright.

Online records show both suspects left the Fulton County jail after posting bond.