A Houston man is facing heavy accusations of credit card abuse and seems to find himself deeper in trouble with every passing day. Dustin C. Mitchell, 43, who allegedly went on a $15,000 spending spree with a deceased woman's credit card, is now behind bars facing multiple fraud charges, reports FOX 26 Houston. Mitchell, granted a $15,000 bond, couldn't walk free due to an additional fraud charge filed on the same day of his potential release.
While Mitchell posted bond last Friday, his next court date remains scheduled for the coming Tuesday. His alleged criminal activities include posing as a Rabbi, lawyer, and possibly a police officer, establishing fictitious, non-profit organizations, and victimizing unwitting individuals, Houston police and court records detail. Detective Brian Tsai explained, "Additionally, he's under investigation for making multiple fictitious, non-profit organizations," according to an interview with FOX 26 Houston.
The extensive search for additional victims continues as authorities believe Mitchell's wrongdoings could involve more people. The Major Offenders Division and Houston Crime Stoppers are urging the public to share any relevant information that could help tighten the case against Mitchell. This call to action has been echoed on the Houston Police Department's Facebook page, indicating a suspicion of a wider net of fraud spread by Mitchell.
Anyone with a belief that have fallen for similar swindles or with information that could illuminate the breadth and depth of Mitchell's alleged schemes is encouraged to come forward. People are urged to reach out to Major Offenders at (713) 308-3100 or Houston Crime Stoppers at (713) 222-TIPS. The involvement of the community could prove pivotal in demonstrating the full extent of deception by Mitchell's hand, according to a report by Hoodline.
Travis Mitchell, the brother of the accused, has described his sibling's lifelong tendencies toward deceit. Following the death of a child, Travis was personally victimized by Dustin, who promised to run a fundraiser to help cover funeral costs, a strategy that never materialized into financial support. "My wife and I lost our second born child. Dustin stepped up, said, 'I'll help you guys out, help you run a fundraiser.' He did all that, and well, the funeral home never got the money," Travis Mitchell revealed in an interview with FOX 26 Houston. With his brother's arrest, Travis expressed relief, hoping for an end to the damaging impact of Dustin's alleged actions.
As the investigation unfolds, those who have had interactions with Mitchell are joining a growing roster of potential witnesses to his long history of fraud, which dates back to his charges in Missouri from 2006. Mitchell currently resides in Harris County jail without bond, awaiting further developments in his case.
