News Summary
Arias Johnson, a 29-year-old from Gaston, has been arrested on multiple charges including identity fraud and violations involving altered vehicles. Following an investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Johnson attempted to purchase a vehicle using a fraudulent Maryland driver’s license. He is currently in custody, facing serious charges that indicate ongoing vehicle-related crimes in South Carolina.
Columbia, South Carolina – Arias Johnson, a 29-year-old resident of Gaston in Lexington County, has been arrested and faces multiple charges involving identity fraud and vehicle violations. The arrest took place on June 7, 2023, after the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) conducted an investigation into his activities in Richland County.
Johnson is charged with identity fraud, possession of a vehicle with an altered VIN number, and chop shop violations. These charges stem from incidents in which he allegedly attempted to purchase a vehicle using a fraudulent Maryland driver’s license on June 6, 2023. Investigators confirmed that the individual whose identity was claimed on the fraudulent license was not Johnson and had not authorized the vehicle purchase.
The investigation revealed that Johnson is connected to a prior incident in March 2023, where he unlawfully acquired a different vehicle in Richland County. This second vehicle was found to have an altered VIN, a method often used to conceal a vehicle’s true identity and history, raising further suspicions regarding Johnson’s activities. The case will be prosecuted by the Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
As of current reports, Johnson remains in custody at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, awaiting further legal proceedings. The charges he faces carry significant penalties, should he be convicted, reflecting the serious nature of identity theft and related crimes.
This recent arrest emphasizes ongoing issues with vehicle-related crimes in South Carolina, where authorities are working diligently to combat fraud and maintain public trust in vehicle transactions. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies, including SLED, reflect a commitment to addressing and reducing the prevalence of such criminal activities in the region.
Identity fraud is a growing concern in many areas, comprising various forms of deceptive practices aimed at illegally obtaining personal information for financial benefit. Such acts not only cause significant harm to individuals whose identities are stolen but also undermine the integrity of financial systems and transactional processes.
The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving vehicle purchases or identity verification. Law enforcement officials emphasize the importance of proper identification and monitoring transactions to prevent becoming a victim of such fraud. Moreover, individuals are urged to verify the legitimacy of driver’s licenses and documents presented during vehicle sales, especially in cases that seem atypical or raise red flags.
Authorities have also launched campaigns to educate the public about identity fraud, urging community members to take necessary precautions when sharing personal information. Resources are available for those who suspect that they have been victims of identity theft to help them navigate recovery and legal steps they can take.
The case against Arias Johnson highlights the significant efforts and ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement as they work to combat identity-related crimes. As the legal process unfolds, further details may emerge that could impact the course of justice in this case and potentially influence broader strategies to address these criminal behaviors in South Carolina.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lexington Man Arrested on Multiple Charges Following Dollar General Incident
Community Steps Up to Help Catch Credit Card Fraudsters in Lexington
Columbia Man Charged with Murder Linked to Identity Theft Case in Tennessee
Additional Resources
- WIS TV: Lexington County Man Accused of Vehicle Fraud
- ABC Columbia: 10 Convicted in Multi-State Identity Theft Fraud Ring
- WLTX: Convictions in Columbia-Based Identity Theft Fraud Ring
- Google Search: Identity Fraud
- Wikipedia: Identity Fraud
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
