WEST ALEXANDRIA — A Preble County Commissioner became the victim of identity theft recently, and the culprits were caught in the act.

On Thursday, Feb. 4, deputies from the Preble County Sheriff’s Office and the West Alexandria Police Department detained two individuals at the West Alexandria Post Office at approximately 11:25 a.m., after the two picked up a package addressed to a victim of identity theft — Commissioner Rodney Creech.

The package contained high-end clothing which had been ordered from Canada, according to officials.

Further investigation on Feb. 4 led deputies to recover 16 gift cards which had been re-coded with stolen account numbers from other victims. At press time, three victims have been identified: one from Hollywood, Florida, another from Hilliard, Ohio and one from Westerville, Ohio.

Investigators are working to identify the remaining victims, according to officials.

During the investigation, deputies learned that one of the suspects, Kevin Bishopton, is currently awaiting sentencing in Columbus, on a six-count federal indictment for similar activity.

Deputies have formally charged both suspects in Eaton Municipal Court. Emmanuel Cobbold, 20, of Columbus, was charged with one count of identity fraud, a fifth-degree felony, and one count of receiving stolen property, a fifth-degree felony. He has since posted bond, according to officials.

Kevin Bishopton, 22, also of Columbus, was charged with identity fraud, a fifth-degree felony; receiving stolen property, a fifth-degree felony, and two traffic-related offenses.

Bishopton remains in the Preble County Jail. A warrant for violation of pre-trial release was issued by the United States District Court for his arrest. He will be transferred to the custody of the U.S. Marshall’s Office on that warrant, according to PCSO officials.