Kansas teen is arrested in Cedar County for identity theft

HARTINGTON - A Kansas man has been charged with identity theft after he was pulled over for a traffic stop by the Nebraska State Patrol in Cedar County.

The traffic stop occurred on Highway 59 for going 80 mph in a 65 mph zone. The driver identified himself as 17-year-old Nestor Aguilar-Morales who lived in Dodge City, Kan. However, a records check indicated he had not been issued a license in any state.

The officer located a Visa card and a North Carolina identification card with the name of Jodi Gonzales. The photo on the card was consistent with that of Aguilar-Morales.

A record check on the identification card indicated that the identification number was false and that Gonzales is a real person with DMV records in Minnesota, Texas and New Mexico.

During an interview, Aguilar-Morales said he purchased the ID card and a Social Security card with the Gonzales name in an effort to obtain employment and benefits.

He had been working over the past month at National Beef in Dodge City, Kan.

Earnings statements in the Gonzales name were found in the vehicle.

Aguilar-Morales was arrested on suspicion of identity theft and is being housed at the Juvenile Detention Center in Sioux City, Iowa.