Cops: Man rang up $7K in fraud charges

Vernon, Conn. (WTNH) -- A Vernon man was arrested after police say he stole a real estate agent's credit card and rang up about $7,000 in charges.

Police say Robert Gross, 59, stole the credit cards from the victim while she was showing him a house. After the theft, the victim left the country for two months.

When she returned, there were about $7,000 worth of fraudulent charges on her credit card, including renting a hotel room.

Police say Gross used the credit card 72 times. In addition, officers determined Gross was driving a car he bought with a stolen check.

Gross was charged with 72 counts of credit card fraud, 72 counts of second degree forgery, 72 counts of second degree identity theft and larceny.

He was held on a $40,000 bond and the car was returned to the dealership.

Police say charges were made in several different jurisdictions and additional arrests are expected.