What started as a routine traffic stop in Navasota turned into a multi-state fraud investigation on Friday last week, after deputies say they found a stash of stolen credit and identification cards inside a compact SUV.
According to the Grimes County Sheriff’s Office, a K9 unit pulled over a blue Nissan Kicks on State Highway 105 near County Road 410 for following too closely. During the stop, deputies say they uncovered multiple cards that appeared to belong to other people, many of them gym patrons from across the country.
Investigators identified the driver as Dedrick Godwin of South Carolina. He was arrested at the scene, charged, and remains in custody while the investigation continues, authorities say.
Cards From Gyms Stretching From Atlanta To San Antonio
Deputies who searched the vehicle found identification and payment cards “ranging from Atlanta, Georgia, to the San Antonio area,” according to MyTexasDaily.
The outlet reports that Godwin, who is from South Carolina, was charged on-site with fraudulent use or possession of identifying information. Bond for that charge was set at $65,000. He also had an outstanding warrant from the College Station Police Department carrying a $25,000 bond, bringing his total bond amount to $90,000, according to the same report.
The sheriff’s office is working with other agencies to figure out exactly where the cards were stolen and how they were being used, a process that can take time when suspected victims are scattered across several states.
Investigators Eye Bigger Fraud Picture
Grimes County investigators are coordinating with outside agencies while processing evidence and chasing down leads. Local coverage from KBTX has highlighted how law enforcement in the county has been trying to keep ahead of evolving fraud tactics, urging residents to lock up valuables and report anything that feels off, whether that is in a parking lot or inside a locker room.
On the national level, the scope of modern fraud is hardly small-time. The Federal Trade Commission reported that consumers lost more than $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, with more than 1.1 million reports of identity theft. It is the kind of backdrop that makes a single traffic stop on Highway 105 look less like a fluke and more like a potential piece of a much larger puzzle.
What Residents Should Do If They Were Hit
Anyone who suspects their card or personal information may have been taken is urged to act quickly. The FTC advises victims to report identity theft and follow step-by-step recovery guidance at IdentityTheft.gov.
Officials say victims should also contact their banks or card issuers to cancel affected cards, consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the major credit bureaus, and file a report with local law enforcement so investigators can connect related cases.
Anyone with information about the traffic stop or suspicious activity in the area of State Highway 105 and County Road 410 is asked to contact the Grimes County Sheriff's Office.
