Taraji P. Henson’s Identity Was Stolen By A Chicago Mom

I’m sure there’s lots of people who see Taraji P. Henson and wish they could be her. What’s not to love? She’s got money, a solid career, and can effortlessly turn out a red carpet. But recently one mom from Chicago saw Taraji’s life, decided to be her, and stole her identity. Except like most half-baked ID-stealing schemes, she got caught.
Taraji’s Empire co-star Jussie Smollett, must be looking at this story and thinking, “Wow, so we’re both the victims of a shady crime that took place in Chicago.” But Taraji’s isn’t nearly as complicated or suspicious as Jussie’s. Page Six says that 29-year-old Alicia Newby was charged with continuing a financial crime enterprise (that’s a felony). Alicia targeted several people, one of which was Taraji P. Henson. Taraji wasn’t named in court, but police records show Taraji as one of the victims.
Chicago woman reportedly stole actress Taraji P. Henson's identity https://t.co/w82EhJbeCh pic.twitter.com/sFAYxBP4pj
— FOX 32 News (@fox32news) July 29, 2019
Alice reportedly made $12,000 worth of fraudulent charges after hacking into email accounts. She also allegedly suffers from bipolar disorder, which might explain the urge to go on a spending spree right after hacking into a famous peron’s email address.
Alice spent $4,000 after obtaining Taraji’s personal information through emails, like account information related to a JP Morgan Chase bank, American Express, and PayPal. Taraji’s manager noticed the fraudulent purchases last August, and knew something was up when some of the items purchased were being sent to an address they didn’t know. So Taraji’s manager had the $4,000 worth of charges cancelled. Reps for Taraji then contacted the Chicago PD with their information.
Fake Taraji was arrested on Saturday at her home, where some of the fraudulent purchases were found. It was also discovered that she had taken out utility bills in someone else’s name (possibly Taraji’s), as well as obtained an apartment lease under the name of a second victim. She was released on a $10,000 signature bail. Okay, but did someone check to make sure she didn’t sign it: “Taraji P. Henson“? Because she’s allegedly been known to do that.
Alice has been barred from contacting any of the victims, or using the internet. Taraji’s people didn’t return a request for comment on the matter.
According to Page Six’s reporting, it sounds like one of the things that tipped police off was when a postal worker began to refuse to deliver packages to Alice, because they had a hunch it was part of an identity theft scam. So Alice went to collect her packages from the post office, and reportedly caused a scene while there. You know, it sounds like it was going to end in a messy way right from the beginning. Really, it could have ended just as easily while placing an order for food delivery.
“Okay, and can I have a name for that order?”
“Taraji P. Henson.”
“Wow! Cookie?!”
“Sure, throw a couple cookies on there too.“
Pic: Wenn.com