Bremerton Women Face Federal Charges in $620,000 Identity Theft Scheme

Two Bremerton women, Heather Marquis and Emily Vranic, have been federally charged for orchestrating a five-year identity theft and fraud scheme that targeted at least 278 victims and resulted in losses estimated at $620,000 across Kitsap and Mason counties. Authorities allege the pair stole mail to obtain personal and financial information, which they used to open credit cards, drain bank accounts, and pay personal expenses, including their mortgage. The investigation began after local police traced stolen vehicles to the suspects, ultimately leading to the discovery of forged documents and numerous stolen identities. Prosecutors highlighted that the women often conducted smaller transactions that would generally avoid detection, and sometimes went so far as to impersonate victims in calls to banks. Both women have pleaded not guilty, and their trial is scheduled for June 2025. Law enforcement credited the collaboration between local police, the county sheriff, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in uncovering the full extent of the scheme.