MESILLA, N.M. — A Deming woman is facing a long list of charges after authorities say she orchestrated an elaborate fraud and identity theft scheme that spanned multiple cities in New Mexico.
The Mesilla Marshal’s Office confirmed that 44-year-old Denise Pedraza Webb was arrested over the weekend and booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center on Friday, June 20. Webb is facing five counts of forgery, 11 counts of computer access with intent to defraud or embezzle, and 12 counts of identity theft.
According to officials, Webb was first arrested last week in Albuquerque and placed in the Bernalillo County Detention Center. She was later transferred to Las Cruces on a district court bench warrant for failure to appear, carrying a $2,500 bond.
However, Webb’s attempts to secure her release were thwarted when Mesilla Marshals issued a new arrest warrant at the Dona Ana County Detention Center, blocking her from posting bond.
Authorities say Webb’s crime spree included opening fraudulent bank, loan, and credit card accounts. She also allegedly stole $10,000 from a victim’s personal bank account by changing their account information using a fake New Mexico driver’s license.
The Marshal’s Office further revealed that Webb used another fraudulent license, this time posing as a Mesilla resident, to steal a vehicle from a car dealership. The stolen vehicle was later recovered in Deming.
Officials noted that Webb has an extensive criminal history involving similar offenses, and they expect to file additional charges against her as the investigation continues.
The Mesilla Marshal’s Office is reminding residents to safeguard personal information, including avoiding leaving mail in mailboxes overnight, to reduce the risk of identity theft.
The case remains under investigation.
