Man accused of stealing IDs, money from several Houston area businesses

A man is on the run after investigators said he stole money and IDs from several Houston area businesses.

Donald Ray Gunnels is a wanted man on the run for a felony charge of fraud.

John Vannort, a victim of identity fraud, said, "You wonder how vulnerable you are and when it'll end."

Vannort is one of a handful who authorities say were Gunnel's victims.

Court document state Gunnels stole their identity and opened credit cards and accounts at several areas businesses.

"I called them, and it turns out that I had a line of credit that had been maxed out over $10,000. I've never shopped at Kays Jewelers," explained Vannort.

Investigators believe Gunnels charged tens of thousands of dollars at high end jewelery stores, buying things like a Rolex and rings.

They say he also hit other places, like Best Buy and even Costco.

Vannort said, "I didn't lose any money but a lot of time. It was very stressful."

Police nearly caught Gunnels at a Sam's Club, but he fled before being questioned.

"They almost had him. He dropped a backpack, and that's how they got my name," Vannort.

Gunnels rap sheet is a long one, including manufacturing a controlled substance, forgery and, most recently, fraudulent use of an ID that he served four years for.

Now, Gunnels is wanted man by the law, yet again.

Vannort said, "You just feel violated and wonder how it could've happened."


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Galveston-born, award-winning journalist, dog owner, foodie & occasional golfer.

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