ACCPD says Nevada man was part of multi-state fraud ring

Athens-Clarke County Police make an arrest in what investigators say is a multi-state fraud and drug operation. 60 year-old Anthony Philips is from Nevada. He was arrested after a report from a business on Lexington Road, allegedly using a fraudulently obtained account number in an attempt to make a large purchase.

Police say Phillips is part of a fraud ring that has stolen millions of dollars nationwide.

He’s also facing drug charges, caught with what Athens-Clarke County Police say was fentanyl. He’s in the Athens-Clarke County jail.

From the ACCPD…

On June 7th, 2024, at approximately 4:26 PM, Athens-Clarke County Police responded to a business on Lexington Rd regarding a suspect involved in a multi-state fraud ring. Officers contacted the suspect after attempting to make a large purchase using a fraudulently obtained account number. Officers attempted to identify the suspect, but he provided numerous false names. Eventually, officers identified the suspect as Anthony Phillips, 60, Nevada.

Phillips is suspected of being associated with the theft of several million dollars worth of merchandise throughout the country.

During this investigation, officers recovered $1,800 in stolen merchandise and a quantity of fentanyl from Phillips. Phillips has been charged with Theft by Receiving Stolen Property, Giving False Information to LEO, and Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance. In addition, he currently has warrants from other jurisdictions related to the fraud ring.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Sergeant O’Neill at brian.oneill@accgov.com or 762-400-7375.