On Monday, June 11, 2018, Portland Police Bureau Detective Coordination Team detectives and Central Precinct officers arrested 29-year-old Nicholas Anthony Devranos and 28-year-old Toni Mae Collins as part of an identity theft investigation. Devranos and Collins were booked into the Multnomah County Jail on multiple counts of Aggravated Identity Theft, Unlawful Use of a Motorized Vehicle, Burglary, and other charges. In addition to new charges, Devranos had an outstanding warrant for similar crimes out of Washington and Collins had an outstanding warrant out of California.
Detectives started this investigation in early April after a victim contacted police when they noticed someone had opened a retail account in the victim's name. During the investigation, detectives determined Devranos and Collins had opened an account and purchased a television using the victim's identity.
As detectives continued the investigation, they learned Devranos was currently renting five high-end luxury apartments in the Portland area under different aliases.
When detectives and officers located and attempted to contact Devranos near one of his apartments, he fled from officers on a "Onewheel." Shortly after riding away on the Onewheel, Devranos began running from officers, but was taken into custody near Northwest 16th Avenue and Northwest Naito Parkway.
When officers returned to Devranos' apartment, they contacted Collins. Collins was taken into custody without incident. During a search of the apartment, detectives located stolen mail and checks and devices used to create identification cards. During a search near the apartment building, officers also located a stolen 2018 Ford F-150 truck. Investigators believed Devranos and Collins had stolen the truck.
Detectives learned that Devranos and Collins used the stolen mail, checks and identification card making tools to create fake driver's licenses and would use them to rent apartments, automobiles, and obtain instant credit accounts at local retailers.
Based on information located by detectives at this time, investigators believe there are at least 200 people who are victims of Devranos and Collins' identity theft activity.
Detectives continue to investigate this case and believe Devranos and Collins are connected to the theft of a 2018 white Kia Sportage (photo below) with Oregon license plate "429KBK." Anyone who sees the Sportage or has information about it or the suspects, should contact the Portland Police Bureau non-emergency line at 503-823-3333.
For more information on how to prevent identity theft, visit http://www.doj.state.or.us/consumer/Pages/id_theft.aspx