SMITHERS, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Two men are facing charges after allegedly using a woman’s stolen debit card to make purchases at several businesses in Fayette County, including McDonald’s, Par Mar and Grant’s.
According to a criminal complaint, Rickie Purdue and Carlton Blankenship are each facing one count of fraudulent use of an access device and one count of conspiracy following an investigation into the unauthorized purchases.
The investigation began Friday, October 9, 2026, when the victim, Latasha Bell, reported that her debit card had been stolen and used at four separate times at businesses in Smithers.
Bell told police she discovered the transactions while checking her banking application.
The unauthorized purchases included:
- Grant’s in Smithers: $5.33
- Par Mar in Smithers: $26.79
- Par Mar in Smithers: $2.13
- McDonald’s in Smithers: $34.90
The four transactions totaled $69.15.
While speaking with Bell in the parking lot of Taco Bell in Smithers, an officer noticed that one of the suspects, Purdue, was also outside the restaurant.
When questioned, Purdue reportedly admitted to using Bell’s debit card but claimed he no longer had it.
Purdue later agreed to a recorded interview at the Valley Detachment, where he allegedly told investigators that Blankenship, who lives in Montgomery, had given him the card and instructed him to make purchases.
According to the complaint, Purdue stated that Blankenship first handed him the card at Grant’s and asked him to purchase a drink. Purdue said Blankenship also told him he could buy himself something to drink.
The two then went to Par Mar, where Blankenship allegedly instructed Purdue to purchase cigarettes. Purdue reportedly purchased a lighter as well.
At McDonald’s, Purdue said Blankenship again handed him the card and told him what to order.
Purdue admitted to physically using the stolen card four times, according to investigators.
When asked about the name printed on the debit card, Purdue reportedly acknowledged knowing that it did not belong to Blankenship and said he did not recognize the cardholder’s name.
He also allegedly admitted thinking it was strange that Blankenship possessed the card.
However, Purdue told investigators he was attempting to help Blankenship because Blankenship had been banned from entering the businesses.
Following the interview, investigators returned to the businesses and obtained surveillance footage and transaction receipts.
According to the complaint, the footage showed Purdue using the debit card and the two men together inside the establishments, supporting Purdue’s account of their activities.
Investigators also contacted the Montgomery Police Department and learned that additional charges involving Blankenship’s alleged use of the same debit card were pending in connection with purchases at Go Mart and Gino’s in Montgomery.
Authorities said the evidence and statements gathered during the investigation supported charges of fraudulent use of an access device and conspiracy against both men.
Both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
