Theft ring suspect speaks out

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - A metro detective says he now has the clues he needs to identify suspects involved in an extensive crime ring. He's crediting tips gathered from the public after the story aired on 24-Hour News 8 on Monday.

The tips came in after bank security pictures aired of the people financial crimes detective Joshua Gisi said are involved in a complicated web of fraud and theft.

"Several of them said they either looked at the web site or they watched the news and then they went to the web site. If it wasn't for that, they may not have picked it up," said Detective Gisi.

Gisi said he identified four of the six suspects and has more information on the two others. He said they were all involved in the false reporting of identity theft, depositing bad checks and withdrawing the money before the banks could clear the checks.

"That was monumental for me to be able to know that's absolutely who I am talking about. I am not guessing anymore, I know for sure certain," said Gisi.

One of the suspects, Antoinette Jenkins, actually phoned Detective Gisi. Jenkins spoke exclusively to 24-Hour News 8.

"It's kind of embarrassing. I am a mother of five, I go to church, I have a lot of friends, a lot of family members. This is really embarrassing, it's making me look like I am a criminal," said Jenkins.

Jenkins admits it's her in the bank security picture, but said she was not involved in the scam. In fact, she said she now lives in Wisconsin.

"But I know for a fact I didn't write no checks. I didn't deposit no money. I didn't get no money out the ATM. And if they do have anything of me getting money out an ATM it would be October the first," said Jenkins

But Gisi said Jenkins is involved somehow and he needs to talk to her in person.

Detective Gisi said it will take some time to unravel the web of suspects and file formal charges against them. But he said they all possibly face felony charges.

Gisi said detectives have uncovered similar fraud rings in Fort Wayne and Cincinnati.