A woman already charged with multiple counts of identity theft faces more charges after being arrested last week for allegedly stealing another woman’s purse and identity.
Brandi Michelle Blake, 35, entered a not guilty plea Wednesday to two counts of second-degree identity theft, two counts of second-degree possessing stolen property and driving on a suspended license. The new charges meant her $265,000 bail on a pending case was revoked, and she was booked into the Pierce County Jail.
Blake now is charged with five cases in Pierce County. Charges include three counts of first-degree identity theft, four counts of second-degree identity theft, six counts of forgery, two counts of second-degree theft and two counts of unlawful possession of paying instruments.
Last week’s charges stem from an incident in University Place where Blake allegedly broke into a car at the Chambers Bay golf course and snatched a purse. Sheriff’s deputies tracked where some stolen credit cards had been used and obtained surveillance footage of Blake in the stores.
Prosecutors said more charges are expected in last week’s incident.
In an identity theft case filed in May, the victim pleaded with the judge to hold Blake accountable.
“This woman is not new to this crime and I am afraid if she is not held responsible she will continue to hurt me and others,” Larissa Burton wrote in an impact statement.
stacia.glenn@thenewstribune.com
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