JOINT MEDIA RELEASE: Meridian Police Department, Caldwell Police Department, Nampa Police Department, Boise Police Department
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 14, 2023
CONTACT: Kelsey Winnett, Public Information Officer
Treasure Valley Police Departments Work Together: Three Arrested for Burglary and Fraud
Three suspects are in custody after a string of burglaries and fraudulent checks cashed throughout the Treasure Valley this summer.
On September 13, 2023 at approximately 10:45am, Meridian Police Department responded to a bank on the 6000 block of N Linder Rd. with reports of a female attempting to cash a $6300 fraudulent check. The bank teller recognized the suspect, thirty-seven (37) year old Brittanie NELSON as someone involved in what has been called the “Felony Lane Gang”, a group who has been passing fraudulent checks throughout the Treasure Valley. NELSON left the bank before officers were able to arrive.
Nampa Police and Meridian Police Detectives were able to later trace NELSON and a second vehicle with suspect thirty-six (36) year old Tavaris MILLS to an area near Blaine and 12
th Street in Caldwell. Detectives notified Caldwell Police Department who attempted to initiate a traffic stop on MILLS while detectives continued to follow NELSON who entered the freeway, making it to Nampa before Nampa Police attempted a traffic stop at Exit 33.
Caldwell Police initiated a pursuit of MILLS which was quickly called off due to safety concerns.
NELSON fled the attempted traffic stop and was pursued by Caldwell, Nampa, and Canyon County Police before she crashed into an apartment complex on the 100 block of Abraham Way in Caldwell. It is estimated by Idaho State Police that there were two vehicle crashes associated when NELSON attempted to flee.
The Boise Police Department’s Organized Retail Crime Unit detectives had also been working a long-term investigation involving a traveling fraud group. Through communication with Caldwell, Nampa, and Meridian Police Departments, Boise Police detectives learned that the same group of suspects were once again in the area breaking into cars and attempting to cash checks in Meridian and Caldwell.
“The quick communication from our community partners at local banks helped officers identify the suspects and quickly locate this traveling crew,” said Boise Police ORC Detective Ryan Thueson.
Around 4:20 pm Boise Police officers arrested suspects Poline FALONNE and Tavaris MILLS in a parking lot on the 2000 block of S. Vista Ave. in Boise.
Speaking on the teamwork required to carry out today’s arrests, Nampa Police Investigative Lieutenant Jamie Burns praised the work of the Caldwell Police Department, Nampa Police Department, Meridian Police Department, and Boise Police Department in the apprehension MILLS, NELSON, and FALONNE. “This type of collaboration happens regularly and is required because criminals don’t know jurisdictional boundaries. Working together is necessary in our effort to fight crime.”
Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea thanks the surrounding agencies involved saying: “Teamwork like this doesn’t just happen. Police in the Treasure Valley work very hard to build the relationships necessary to keep all of our communities safe.”
NELSON was booked into the Canyon County Jail on the following charges: on Criminal Possession of FTC, Fictitious Checks, Misappropriation of Personal Identifying information, and Attempted Grand Theft. This is an active investigation and additional charges are pending.
MILLS was arrested by Boise Police on one outstanding warrant and one (1) misdemeanor count Controlled Substance-Possession of Marijuana and booked into the Ada County Jail. MILLS will also be charged with one (1) felony count Eluding in Canyon County. This is an active investigation and additional charges are pending.
FALONNE had an active warrant out of Florida and was arrested by Boise Police without incident. This is an active investigation and additional charges are pending.
“You may think that Idaho law enforcement isn’t sophisticated enough to apprehend and dismantle your organized criminal crew that has been causing havoc across our country, but here is your news flash; come to the Gem State and find out that we are!” said Rex Ingram, Caldwell Chief of Police.
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The Meridian Police Department’s mission is to provide the highest quality service in partnership with the community to preserve and protect life and property through education, prevention and enforcement. The department has 143 police officers and 43 non-sworn staff dedicated to making Meridian a great place to live, work and raise a family.
