Weatherford, OK – A Newcastle man has been charged with identity theft and unauthorized use of a credit card after allegedly using a deceased individual's financial information to make fraudulent purchases in Weatherford.

James Adam Jenkins, 53, was arrested on January 30, 2025, following a vehicle accident in Weatherford. Responding officers ran a background check and discovered Jenkins had an outstanding warrant out of Payne County. While booking him into the Weatherford Jail, officers noticed he was carrying multiple credit cards belonging to another individual who had passed away.

Details of the Allegations

According to an affidavit from the Weatherford Police Department, Jenkins is accused of unlawfully obtaining personal identifying information and using it for financial gain. The charges include:

• Identity Theft (Felony): Prosecutors allege that on January 30, 2025, Jenkins knowingly obtained another person’s personal information with fraudulent intent, attempting to acquire money, credit, goods, or services without consent.

• Unauthorized Use of a Credit Card (Felony): On December 31, 2024, Jenkins allegedly used the deceased individual's credit card to obtain additional cards and made purchases totaling $1,184.25 at a store and bank in Weatherford.

The investigation revealed that Jenkins had been using the financial accounts since at least December 2024. A second bank confirmed that the account belonged solely to the deceased individual, and no one else was authorized to use it. Bank records showed transactions, including a $1,001 Western Union wire transfer at the store and a $180 withdrawal from an ATM in Weatherford.

Authorities also obtained security footage from the bank, which reportedly shows Jenkins conducting transactions at an ATM.

Additional Investigation

During the inquiry, officers discovered that Jenkins’ girlfriend may have been financially exploited. Officers found messages on Jenkins' phone showing multiple people requesting money from him, and girlfriend claimed she had a safe for storing money that was repeatedly emptied.

Jenkins has a prior criminal record, including convictions for petit larceny and false bogus check scams.

Legal Proceedings

The Custer County District Court formally charged Jenkins on March 10, 2025. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison and fines up to $100,000 for the identity theft charge. The unauthorized credit card use charge carries a possible penalty of a $500 fine or up to 30 days in jail.