From Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — A Georgia man was charged with identity theft after bank officials became suspicious when he attempted to open an account and alerted Trussville police last week.
Lt. Clint Riner said Joseph Levor Smith, 44, of Atlanta, Ga., was charged with Trafficking in Stolen Identities, Identity Theft, 2nd degree Possession of a Forged Instrument, Using False Identity to Obstruct Justice.
Riner said bank officials became suspicious when Smith attempted to open an account and referred to a piece of paper when answering questions about personal information.
When officers arrived, they spoke with Smith and asked for his identification. Police said the drivers license he provided had the name he was using to open the account, but appeared to have been altered.
Upon further investigation, officers obtained Smith’s correct driver’s license along with several documents in the name of the individual Smith had used when attempting to open the account.
Smith is being held in the Jefferson County Jail on bonds totaling $60,000. Smith is considered innocent until proven guilty.