A Durango man who racked up almost $15,000 on a stolen credit card belonging to a Bayfield church has pleaded guilty to felony identity theft.
Royce Cowan could be sentenced to probation or a stint in community corrections after signing a plea agreement with the 6th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Sentencing is scheduled for 9 a.m. June 27.
Cowan obtained a credit card belonging to Pine Valley Foursquare Church in September when an employee accidentally left her purse at McDonald’s in Durango, 201 W. College Drive. The employee didn’t realize the credit card was missing, and several months later, Cowan used it to make thousands of dollars in purchases at Walmart in Durango, Cortez and Farmington.
The credit card was used to purchase multiple televisions, video games, car stereo systems, clothing and alcohol. Other items included cellular phones, groceries, cologne and body wash.
The charges totaled $14,708 and occurred from Jan. 12 to Feb. 8.
Cowan’s co-defendant, Lucas Charles Gallegos, of Mancos, also faces theft charges. His case is pending.
shane@durangoherald.com
