Sheriff Darren Campbell stated Iredell County Criminal Investigations Detectives were contacted about Stephen Todd Lipe using a vehicle without permission and asked to assist the owner with locating the vehicle. Further investigation led to the discovery that Mr. Lipe was also using a debit card belonging to the vehicle owner to make cash withdrawals at area ATM machines as well as to purchase miscellaneous items at convenience stores. Detectives and Patrol Deputies operated as a team and were able to successfully recover the vehicle, which was still in Mr. Lipe’s possession. Detectives obtained warrants for the offenses of identity theft, financial card theft, financial card transaction fraud and unauthorized use of motor vehicle. Mr. Lipe was arrested by Deputies of the Sheriff’s Office warrant squad and taken before the Iredell County Magistrate.

Mr. Lipe subsequently received a $ 4,500.00 secured bond and was processed into the Iredell County Detention Center.