A personal security camera and quick action by two Fannin County deputy sheriffs led to the arrest of Amanda S. Witkowski, 51, of 295 Wine Branch Road, Murphy, on four initial charges and 66 subsequent felony charges.
Witkowski was spotted at a residence on Coles Crossing Road Friday, March 17, by a homeowner using a phone app connected to a security camera. The trunk on Witkowski’s car was open and when the homeowner tried to talk to her she fled the scene, according to Investigations Captain Justin Turner of the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office.
The homeowner’s call to report the crime came in to the Fannin County 911 center at 4:33 p.m.
Sergeant John Bramlett and Corporal Matthew Peardon spotted a vehicle matching the description given by the homeowner and made a traffic stop.
Several items believed stolen from the residence were recovered and Witkowski was charged with a felony count of Burglary in the Second Degree, two counts of Criminal Trespass and Theft by Taking.
A search of the vehicle revealed large amounts of U.S. mail with different names. Investigations Sergeant J.K. Davenport said the mail had addresses from Murphy and Warne, North Carolina, Blue Ridge and Mineral Bluff.
Investigators were still working to identify possible victims late last week and will be in contact with them once all the mail is identified, Davenport said.
The mail has already resulted in 20 felony counts of Theft by Possession of Stolen Mail against Witkowski.
She has also been charged with 45 felony counts of Identity Fraud and a single felony charge of Theft by Receiving Stolen Property.
Witkowski remained held without bond in the Fannin County Jail Monday, March 27.