A pair of Minnesota residents face charges related to fraud. Natalie Erickson, 22, and Julia Nelson, 33, both of Minnesota, were charged with Identity Theft and Fraudulent Practices – 3rd degree and several other charges by the Pella Police Department following an investigation of alleged criminal activity.

On Tuesday, the Pella PD was notified by a local bank drive-up that Nelson and Erickson were attempting to gain access to an account using a stolen ID and debit card. The bank teller observed the vehicle’s passenger wearing a wig to appear as the person on the ID; finding this suspicious, the teller contacted the account holder and found those items had been previously stolen. The vehicle left the bank without receiving money. Officers located them shortly after leaving the bank and made a traffic stop near the 2100 block of Idaho Drive in Pella.

Officers immediately detected an odor of illegal drugs coming from the vehicle, according to a release. A vehicle search was conducted, and officers found evidence the claimed to be related identity theft, including several driver’s licenses, Social Security Cards, and debit/credit cards that did not belong to Erickson or Nelson. Officers also found three wigs in the vehicle, including the one described by bank staff. Police say they found illegal drugs, including marijuana and methamphetamine, as well as drug paraphernalia. Officers found that the Iowa license plate on the back of the vehicle did not belong to the vehicle and had been taped over the actual Ohio plate. During the investigation, Erickson and Nelson allegedly provided false information to the Officers regarding their identity.

Natalie Erickson is charged with the following:
• Identity Theft and Fraudulent Practices 3rd degree, Aggravated Misdemeanors
• Possession of Marijuana & Possession of Methamphetamine, Serious Misdemeanors
• Harassment of a Public Official, Theft 5th degree, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Simple Misdemeanors

Julia Nelson is charged with the following:
• Identity Theft and Fraudulent Practices 3rd degree, Aggravated Misdemeanors •
Harassment of a Public Official, Theft 5th degree, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Simple Misdemeanors