A home computer, Craigslist and a fraudulent PayPal account were all a local woman needed to allegedly commit five counts of grand theft in a case that left victims all across the United States, Hanford Police officials said. An ongoing investigation into numerous instances of theft by false pretenses led local police officers to the 800 block of Silverado Street, where a Wednesday afternoon search and seizure led to the arrest of 35-year-old Danette Gayton Williams.

During the search, officers located several items that had apparently been purchased using a fraudulent PayPal account from different vendors online.

"What was going on was that she would send fake PayPal receipts to the people she was supposedly buying the stuff from," Sgt. George Hernandez said. "When people got the receipts, they would say that the money would be transferred to them in 72 hours. Well, since it was through PayPal, they believed it, thought the money was on its way and would mail the items out before they realized it was a fraud.

"Many of the victims just cut their losses and said 'oh well' when they figured it out. But, we've gotten many reports and we know more victims will come forward as time goes on."

Victims in the case have been located as far and wide as Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Arizona. Many victims have also been located that have yet to come forward to law enforcement officials regarding the thefts.

During the search, investigators recovered over $10,000 worth of property at the Silverado Street residence, including items like jewelry, clothing, a computer and an LCD projector. Officers said the amount of evidence recovered reads like "a laundry list."

The 2:30 p.m. arrest of Gayton Williams also developed further complications when the woman apparently suffered a heart attack while being transported to the Kings County Jail. She was taken to Central Valley General Hospital for treatment, where she will remain for several days, officials said. Until the time she can be released, she has been cited on suspicion of five counts of grand theft.

Hanford Police officials said that the investigation is still ongoing at this time, as additional suspects and victims still need to be identified.

Citizens are cautioned to verify the validity of PayPal accounts when selling or purchasing items online.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2425.

(Oct. 10, 2008)