Florida Woman Wanted in East Texas After Elderly Victim’s Identity Used to Buy $130K Vehicle
JASPER COUNTY, Texas — Authorities are searching for a Florida woman accused of using the identity of an elderly Texas resident to fraudulently purchase luxury vehicles.
According to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, the case began on February 23, 2026, when an 81-year-old Buna resident reported that her identity had been used without permission.
Investigators discovered that someone had used the victim’s personal information to purchase a $130,000 vehicle from a dealership in Miami, Florida. Authorities also learned the suspect attempted to secure financing for another vehicle valued at approximately $43,000 using the same stolen identity.
During the investigation, a second Miami-area dealership contacted the victim after someone attempted to purchase a third vehicle using her information. That attempt ended with an arrest by the Miami Gardens Police Department.
Jasper County investigators later learned that Debra Rodriguez, 54, of Pompano Beach, Florida, had been taken into custody in connection with the incident. Police said Rodriguez was found in possession of multiple forms of identification and credit cards belonging to the victim.
Rodriguez was charged by Miami Gardens police with:
- Attempted Grand Theft
- Providing False Information
With assistance from the victim and Miami Gardens authorities, Lt. Jason McClelland of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office obtained an additional warrant for Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identifying Information (less than five items) against an elderly person, a third-degree felony.
Authorities in Florida are currently searching for Rodriguez to serve the Jasper County warrant. If located, she will be extradited to Texas to face the charges.
Sheriff Chuck Havard praised the investigative work in the case.
“I’m proud of the work Lieutenant Jason McClelland has done on this case and I want to thank him for his dedication and determination,” Havard said.
