More than 1,000 people were identified as potentially having personal information “compromised” after an employee with the Division of Statewide Services removed several documents from the office, according to Alaska State Troopers.
Troopers said the Alaska Bureau of Investigation’s Financial Crimes Unit began investigating thefts at the Department of Public Safety (DPS) building, in east Anchorage, on Dec. 22. MarieKimberly Ramos, a 22-year-old employee of DPS, and Jeremiah Ranem, 32, are accused of forcibly entering a locked area of the building, damaging a door and door frame, and stealing money.
“During the subsequent service of multiple search warrants additional evidence was discovered. As a result, the investigation is continuing,” troopers wrote.
On Dec. 30, Ramos and Ranem were both arrested and taken to the Anchorage Correctional Complex. They’re both charged with theft, burglary and criminal mischief. According to online court records, they’re scheduled to be arraigned Feb. 10.
Troopers wrote that they don’t believe their has been a misuse of the personal information stolen from approximately 1,020 people.
“However, individuals are encouraged to take precautions to guard against the misuse of personal information that could result in identity theft,” the agency said. “If a person who received a notification through the mail concerning their transaction(s), or that provided personal information to DPS, during this time frame, has questions pertaining to a submitted background check or whether or not their data was part of the thefts, they can contact the Department of Public Safety, Division of Statewide Services, Criminal Records & Identification Bureau at: 907-269-5634.”
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