New York Woman Extradited to Ocean View Following Multi-State Bank Fraud Investigation
OCEAN VIEW, Del. – A New York woman has been extradited to Ocean View following a multi-state bank fraud investigation.
The Ocean View Police Department (OVPD) has charged 50-year-old Crystal Ann Mercado, of Bronx, New York, with multiple felony and misdemeanor offenses following an extensive investigation into a fraudulent bank withdrawal made in May.
On May 26, Ocean View officers responded to Taylor Bank, located on Atlantic Avenue, for a report of theft and fraud. Investigators determined that an unidentified woman had entered the bank and withdrawn funds from a customer’s account using what was later determined to be a fraudulent Pennsylvania driver’s license. Through an extensive investigation and collaboration with law enforcement agencies in North Carolina and Maryland, officers identified the suspect as Mercado. Investigators also linked Mercado to similar incidents in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, and Harford County, Maryland.
Mercado was arrested in North Carolina on May 28, and held at the Dare County Detention Center. Ocean View officers obtained arrest warrants, and on Oct. 15, Mercado was extradited to Delaware and processed at OVPD on the following charges:
- Identity Theft — two counts (Felony)
- Forgery First Degree (Felony)
- Theft $1,500 or Greater (Felony)
- Attempt to Commit Theft $1,500 or Greater (Felony)
- Possession of Forgery Devices (Felony)
- Criminal Impersonation (Misdemeanor)
- Falsifying Business Records (Misdemeanor)
Mercado was committed to the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on a $20,000 secured bond for the Ocean View offenses. She is also wanted by the Bel Air Police Department in connection with the aforementioned Maryland incident, and is expected to be extradited to Maryland following the resolution of her Delaware proceedings.
