ID theft charge added in spree

By Vincent Tuss

Last update: November 17, 2009 - 12:15 AM

A Maplewood woman already facing charges in Washington and Ramsey Counties for allegedly stealing checks and credit cards from purses and wallets at schools and churches faces a new charge in a similar offense.

Dawn Marie Scott, 41, was charged Nov. 10 with a count of identity theft, the second filed against her by Ramsey County.

Scott also is known as Dawn Marie Rassett. Under that name she is charged in Washington County with forgery, financial fraud, school trespassing and theft.

The latest criminal complaint alleges that in September and October, Scott stole purses, wallet, credit cards and more from five victims. The thefts took place at two Shoreview schools, a clinic in Vadnais Heights and a church in White Bear Township during a wedding.

One of the victims, a doctor at the clinic, recognized Scott's picture from the newspaper, according to the complaint. The doctor's credit cards and driver's license were found when Washington County authorities searched Scott's home, the complaint said.

Another person recognized Scott as the woman who used a credit card in the doctor's name to buy $195 in auto parts from Kline Nissan in Maplewood on Oct. 15. In all, the criminal complaint details almost $2,100 in fraudulent purchases. Ramsey County sheriff's deputies have surveillance photos and video of Scott using cards of four of the victims and writing a check of the fifth, the complaint said.

VINCE TUSS