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Woodstock, Cherokee County, Ga. March 12, 2003 In August 2002, the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office received a request for investigative assistance from the Greenville South Carolina Police Department. The victim in the case was reported to be a Greenville Police Department employee. Detectives with the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office opened an investigation which led them to post office boxes in Waleska, Holly Springs, Lebanon, Tate and Cartersville. In corporation with the United States Postal Inspector's Office, information related to these post office boxes was gathered which led investigators to an office in Marietta, Ga and the arrest of Hickmet Uyaniker, a 47 year old male. Investigators also identified additional post office boxes throughout Metro Atlanta, North Georgia and areas in Alabama.
Investigators with the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigations for assistance in the case. A joint investigation between the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, and the United States Postal Inspector's Offices was initiated and culminated in the discovery of more than 130 victims of Financial Identity Fraud and over $1.5 million in losses.
Mr. Uyaniker faces charges of Financial Identity Fraud, Forgery 1st degree, Violation of Georgia RICO Act, as well as additional charges within the Federal Court System. He is currently in Federal custody awaiting trial.
On March 19, 2003 Detective Bert Love received a certificate of appreciation from the FBI for his work concerning this case. Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta Division Office, Theodore Jackson, presented the award. Commander Jackson commended Detective Love for his crucial investigative efforts leading to the arrest in this case.
