Three Arrested in Gulf Freeway Identity Fraud Scheme Targeting Cell Phone Stores

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — Three individuals were arrested after deputies uncovered an alleged identity fraud scheme involving fake IDs and stolen personal information used to obtain cell phones, officials said.

Deputies with the Precinct 8 Constable’s Office responded around 3:58 p.m. on March 28, 2026, to the 19400 block of the Gulf Freeway following a report of a woman using fraudulent identification to purchase phones.

Upon arrival, deputies located a female suspect and two male companions sitting in a vehicle in the parking lot. Authorities said a strong odor of marijuana was coming from the vehicle, prompting a probable cause search.

During the search, deputies found multiple Texas driver’s licenses featuring the same photograph but different names and identifying information. Investigators also recovered credit cards and Social Security cards belonging to various individuals, along with several cell phones, an iPad, and a small amount of marijuana.

The suspects were identified as 26-year-old Diamond Clegg, 34-year-old Deontae Hammond, and 21-year-old Jayden Cunningham.

Investigators determined that Clegg had entered a store earlier in the day using a false identity but was denied service. She then visited at least two other locations, where she successfully used fraudulent identification at one store to obtain multiple phones valued at approximately $6,000. Authorities said she had returned to the same location for a second attempt when deputies were called.

The Harris County District Attorney’s Office accepted multiple charges in the case. Clegg is charged with felony theft, altering a government document with intent to harm, and fraudulent possession of identifying information. Hammond faces a felony theft charge, and Cunningham was charged with possession of marijuana.

All three suspects were transported to the Harris County Joint Processing Center and booked without incident.

Bond was set at $45,000 for Clegg, $20,000 for Hammond, and $100 for Cunningham.