Centerville police seek woman in extensive property crime spree

CENTERVILLE — Police here are asking for the public's help in locating a woman accused of a string of property crimes and identity thefts that have left a trail of "financial destruction."

Lt. Paul Child said Julia Amelia Higbee, 41, is a transient who goes from town to town, frequenting motels and committing vehicle burglaries. Also known as Julia Herzog, the woman then is suspected of taking stolen credit cards and using them at retail stores until the cards are shut down by financial institutions. Police said she also creates counterfeit checks and identifications from the stolen identities and makes large purchases from stores. She frequently switches victims' names and account numbers, creating even more problems for victims and their financial institutions, police say.

In addition to Centerville, Layton, North Salt Lake, Logan, Brigham City, Salt Lake City and Cottonwood Heights have active criminal investigations involving the suspect. Higbee has three no-bail warrants issued for her arrest from 2nd District Court. She also failed to show up at a sentencing hearing in December.

Anyone with information on Higbee is asked to call Centerville police at 801-292-8441.

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