Malik Merrick Accused of Identity Theft in Berwick: Extradited from Tangipahoa Parish

1. Accused of identity theft for purchasing vehicles statewide
2. Extradited to Berwick for using stolen identities to buy cars.

Accident – Death – Obituary News : BERWICK, La. (KLFY) — A man has been extradited to Berwick from Tangipahoa Parish on charges of purchasing cars using stolen identities, according to authorities.

Malik Merrick, a 26-year-old resident of Kentwood, was apprehended at 10:16 a.m. on Thursday on multiple warrants including theft of a motor vehicle, access device fraud, bank fraud, possession of fraudulent identification documents, forgery, and forgery of a certificate of insurance card.

The investigation began in August when the Berwick Police Department received a complaint from a victim in Texas who reported that their identity had been stolen and used to buy a vehicle from a dealership in Berwick in June. It was discovered that an individual had used the victim’s identity to purchase an $80,000 vehicle from the dealership.

Authorities revealed that Merrick was allegedly involved in a larger scheme where several vehicles were fraudulently purchased across the state. With the collaboration of the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Lafayette Police Department, and Louisiana State Police, investigators were able to identify Merrick as a suspect.

Evidence linking Merrick to the fraudulent activities in Berwick was collected, leading to the issuance of arrest warrants. On February 20, Merrick was apprehended in Hammond.

Subsequently, officers from the Berwick Police Department travelled to the Tangipahoa Parish Jail to locate Merrick. He was then transported to the Berwick Police Department where he was booked and is currently being held in custody awaiting bond.

In the latest developments, authorities are continuing their investigation into the fraudulent vehicle purchases and are working to ensure that justice is served.

Stay tuned for more updates on this ongoing case as it unfolds..

1. Man accused of stolen identities buy cars statewide extradited Berwick
2. Accused using stolen identities buy cars statewide extradited Berwick.