An Austin resident was arrested Thursday afternoon when he was stopped by Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Michael Sams on a traffic violation, and is suspected to have been involved in identity theft and fraud for years.

According to Trooper Sams, 52-year-old Robert Perkins of Austin is suspected to have been involved in “major identity theft and fraud” for about 25 years.  Sams stopped Perkins, who was driving a 2007 Range Rover on N Hwy 183 just north of Early, when he noticed the Range Rover did not have a front license plate.

Trooper Sams stated, “I observed possible criminal activity and upon searching the vehicle found marijuana and falsified documents.” 

Perkins has not been charged with identity theft or fraud in the past; however evidence gathered through an investigation has linked him to approximately 25 years of the crimes in many states including Texas, California, Colorado, and Arizona, Trooper Sams reported.  These crimes involve fraudulent credit cards and checks, property and much more according to officials.

“This is going to be a good case,” stated Trooper Sams.  “This involves property, all kinds of stuff, millions of dollars worth.”

Perkins is being held in the Brown County Jail on charges of Fraudulent Use of Identifying Information, between 10-50 items; Possession of Fraudulent Government Documents , notary stamp; Possession of Fraudulent Government Document, Passport; and Possession of Marijuana less than 2 oz.  Perkins remains in the Brown County Jail, held on a total of $161,500 bonds. 

According to Sams, although the jail log indicates Perkins is from Houston, he is actually from Austin and the Houston address is part of the fraud investigation.

The Texas Rangers and the Texas Department of Public Safety are conducting a joint investigation of this crime.