Fraud Scheme Stopped by Stafford County Sheriff’s Office

STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. – On June 25, 2026, at approximately 3:12 p.m., the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to a possible fraud attempt at the Bank of America in Stafford Marketplace.

Upon making contact, three suspects were detained. One of the suspects, Anthony Linen, falsely identified himself to deputies, so additional charges were later brought forward.

Inside the vehicle and around the nearby area, false identification cards and credit cards were found that displayed the suspects' information.

Detectives discovered that the three suspects had forged the identification cards and stolen the credit cards, all of which belonged to legitimate people.

It was revealed that the suspects had attempted to obtain a significant amount of funds using the false identifications and stolen credit cards. They had previously withdrawn funds and obtained cashier’s checks.

The suspects were subsequently transported to Rappahannock Regional Jail.

The first suspect was identified as Anthony Linen, 19, of the Bronx, New York. Linen was charged with one count of false identification to law enforcement, one count of unauthorized possession of two or more credit cards, two counts of credit card theft, two counts of obtaining money by false pretenses, two counts of conspiracy to commit uttering, two counts of conspiracy to commit credit card theft, two counts of possessing a fictitious operator’s license, four counts of identity theft and six counts of uttering.

The second suspect was identified as Tristan Lyle, 21, of the Bronx, New York. Lyle was charged with one count of failure to appear on a felony charge, one count of unauthorized possession of two or more credit cards, one count of obtaining money by false pretenses, one count of conspiracy to obtain money by false pretenses, two counts of possessing a fictitious operator’s license, two counts of credit card theft, two counts of conspiracy to commit credit card theft, four counts of uttering, four counts of conspiracy to commit uttering and four counts of identity theft.

The third suspect was identified as Donald Taylor, 39, of Elmira, New York. Taylor was charged with one count of unauthorized possession of two or more credit cards, one count of obtaining money by false pretenses, one count of conspiracy to obtain money by false pretenses, two counts of conspiracy to commit credit card theft, two counts of credit card theft, two counts of possessing a fictitious operator’s license, four counts of uttering, four counts of conspiracy to commit uttering and four counts of identity theft.

Linen, Lyle and Taylor were held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with our community, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life by maintaining order, protecting life and property and reducing the fear of crime. Located in Stafford County, Virginia, the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office ensures the peace and safety of all citizens by upholding the Constitution of the United States and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

For more information, visit staffordsheriff.com or email sheriffpio@staffordcountyva.gov.