Crime & Safety

More Potential ID Theft Victims Come Forward

Woman used aliases while allegedly preying on her rich victims.

Another ten or so potential victims of Maria Christina Johnson, 40, who also used the name Gia Hendricks, have come forward one day after her arrest on charges of forgery and burglary, Manhattan Beach Police Detective Michael Rosenberger told Manhattan Beach Patch Wednesday.

Johnson was arrested by MB police detectives in Hollywood on Tuesday and booked for four counts each of forgery and burglary, MBPD said in a press release.

Previously arrested for identity theft, forgery, theft, bail jumping and fraud, Johnson served two years in jail for identity theft in Washington, said the release, and is wanted on similar charges in Washington and Oregon. Her bail is $80,000.

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Johnson, who is described as a "prolific identity theft suspect" in the MBPD press release, is said to pose as a wealthy individual who runs a modeling agency. Police report that she "befriends unsuspecting people, gains their trust and then uses their identity to obtain cash and property."

Johnson, who police believe has also used the names Gia Hendrick, Maria Hendricks, Maria Johnson, Christina Johnson and Gia Johnson, has no known permanent address or vehicle, and steals her victim’s credit cards, checks and other personal identification, using them to commit fraudulent transactions, say officials. She has also claimed to be associated with the Hendrick Motorsports NASCAR Racing Team. 

Find out what's happening in Manhattan Beachwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Call Detective Rosenberger, 310-802-5127, if you have information about Johnson and her alleged crimes or think you've been a victim of hers.


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