A 26-year-old Chicago man is being held on charges of aggravated identity theft alleging he stole over $50,000 from employees and patrons of the Lincolnshire restaurant where he worked to fund more than a dozen trips to Disney World, authorities said.
Alexander N. Pera also faces charges of identity theft and money laundering.
Pera is being held in Lake County jail in lieu of $500,000 bond, Hyde said, adding that further charges are possible.
Hyde said Lincolnshire police were contacted in May by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in Orlando, Florida and learned that Pera had made over 15 different Walt Disney World Resort reservations in five months and had sailed aboard Disney Cruise Line twice earlier this year.
Hyde said police learned during an investigation that Pera had provided false information to airlines and the Disney Company for his travel plans, including fictitious names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses.
Pera paid for his trips using fraudulently obtained gift cards and prepaid credit cards, which police learned were acquired with stolen credit card numbers and cash, Hyde said. Victims linked to the investigation were diners or former employees at Eddie Merlot’s, he added.
During the arrest, Hyde said, Pera was found in possession of fake I.D. cards, gift cards and a loaded handgun.
At this time, police say there are more 50 victims of identity theft with losses totaling over $50,000. Eddie Merlot’s management is cooperating with the investigation and assisting with identifying fraud victims, police said.
Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust
Sunshine
Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.
Get started below for your FREE No Obligation Quote.
Book With our friends at Destinations to Travel
For the BEST in Disney, Universal, Dollywood, and SeaWorld Theme Park News, Entertainment, Merchandise & More follow us on, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. Don't forget to check out the Chip and Company Radio Network too!
