DEARBORN — On June 29, 2013, Mahdy Mohammad Qasem, a 35-year-old Dearborn Heights resident, was arrested in Dearborn, near the corner of Outer Drive and Pelham, after passing out behind the wheel and blocking traffic. He was initially arrested and booked at the Dearborn Police Department for “operating under the influence.”

Qasem

However, further investigation revealed that Qasem was in possession of identification and personal documents, belonging to a Connecticut man. The Connecticut man revealed to the department that he had been a victim of identity theft and had been trying to restore his credit for five months, due to the damage done by the theft.

In a press release, the Dearborn Police Department says that they are working with the Darien Police Department in Connecticut, as well as the Erie County Sheriff’s Department in Ohio, who are also handling related investigations that involve the same victim. 

The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office has charged Qasem with eight counts of identity theft.  He was arraigned at the 19th District Court by Judge Mark Somers. Bond was set at $100,000 cash. His preliminary exam is set for July 12 at 9:00 a.m.