A Georgia man was apprehended by authorities in Lincoln, Nebraska, following a reported incident of identity theft that involved a plan to acquire nearly $300,000 worth of gold from a local dealership. The arrest took place on Thursday, stemming from an investigation that began on March 4 when Lincoln Police were called to Lincoln Coin & Bullion regarding a forgery allegation.
According to court documents, a customer identifying himself as Steven Mills attempted to present a forged check at the shop the day prior. Investigators revealed that the suspect, identified as 70-year-old Bobby Hammett, requested to purchase a substantial 96 ounces of gold, priced at approximately $285,148.73. While most of the gold was available for immediate sale, the employee informed Hammett that a specific 1-kilogram gold bar would not be ready until the following day.
During the transaction, Hammett filled out a check from Truist Bank using Mills’ details and produced a driver’s license that displayed his own photograph alongside Mills’ name and address, which matched the information on the check. The shop owner decided to withhold the gold until the check cleared, scheduling a follow-up appointment for March 5.
Complications arose on March 4 when representatives from Truist Bank contacted the real Steven Mills. He confirmed that he had not authorized the check. That same day, Hammett placed a call to the shop inquiring about the status of the check. Notably, the name “Bobby Hammett” appeared on the caller ID.
Law enforcement planned to apprehend Hammett during the follow-up appointment, but he failed to appear. Further investigation, which included tracing the phone number used by Hammett to contact the shop, revealed that it was registered in his name. Additional research through social media and public records confirmed Hammett’s identity.
After a thorough investigation, an arrest warrant was issued on May 21, and the authorities executed the warrant this week. Hammett now faces charges of second-degree forgery and identity theft. He remains in custody on an $85,000 bond, with his next court appearance slated for October 28.
