UPDATE: Identity theft suspect arrested

NEWKIRK — Darrah Leigh Copple-Hays, 38, Ponca City, was arrested by Ponca City police this weekend. She is now free on bond and set for an initial appearance on Sept. 25.

UPDATE: Warrant remains issued for identity theft suspect as second case is filed

NEWKIRK — A second case of identity theft and computer fraud is now filed against Darrah Leigh Copple-Hays, 38, Ponca City, in Kay County District Court. Ponca City police report that on Aug. 7 a resident reported getting a bill from Discover Card for $2,111.84.

Police report working with Walmart Asset Protection Officer Brad Burnett and Senior Global Investigator Clint Lee, to obtain the fraudulent orders made on the Discover Card. Police also worked with Capitol One and Ponca City utility to obtain information that helped identify Hays as the suspect. Warrant are issued in both cases with bond endorsed at $5,000 in each case.

Warrant issued for Ponca City woman accused of identity theft

NEWKIRK — A warrant with bond endorsed at $5,000 is issued for Darrah Leigh Copple-Hays, 38, Ponca City, by the Kay County District Court.

Copple-Hays is facing a felony count of identity theft.

Ponca City police report that on March 23, a resident came to the PCPD lobby and reported that a credit card had been opened in her name and that it had a balance of $749.52.

Police investigated and learned that the first purchase made with the card was for reptile toys on Feb. 21.

The alleged victim told police that her step-daughter, identified as Copple-Hays, has a big snake and that she believes she is the one who opened the account.

Police obtained a search warrant from Judge Thomas Griesedieck and executed it via the Amazon online portal.

The information showed that the account was registered to Copple-Hays with the payment belonging to the alleged victim.

Couple-Hays arrest record includes obtaining bogus cash or merchandise by bogus check in 2017. That case was later dismissed.

She was arrested in 2018 on drug paraphernalia charges. She was convicted on the charges and sentencing deferred for two years. The case was dismissed in 2021.