(June 25, 2025) – On June 11, 2025, at approximately 6:09 PM, the Cape Coral Police Department responded to a reported disturbance involving possible fraud at a residence in Cape Coral, Florida.
Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victim, who reported that over the past week, they had been the target of identity theft. On the day of the incident, a publicnotary arrived at the victim’s residence with paperwork for the purchase of a 2023 Mercedes G-Wagon.
The victim’s wife opened the door to speak with the notary. She knew no car had been bought. The notary had paperwork to be signed and a driver’s license. The wife immediately recognized her husband’s name on the license, but pointed out that the photo was not of her husband.
While the victim’s wife was speaking with the notary, an Uber minivan arrived, transporting the suspect, later identified as Ronald B. Hatten (DOB 11/07/1965), whose photo appeared on the fraudulent driver’s license. The victim confronted Hatten, who claimed he was there to sign paperwork. Hatten then attempted to leave the scene while communicating on his phone with another party, who appeared to instruct him to flee and secure another Uber ride. The victim was able to photograph Hatten’s phone, capturing evidence of instructions to contact the notary and what to say related to the fraud.
Officers detained Hatten. The investigation revealed that Hatten had traveled from Atlanta, Georgia, at the request of an associate to sign paperwork for a vehicle purchase, and that he was to be compensated $500 for his involvement. Hatten was planning on getting to the victim’s address and signing paperwork outside with the notary; however the notary arrived earlier than expected.
A check for warrants revealed that Hatten had an outstanding warrant from Alabama for opening a bank account using another individual’s identity. Hatten was taken into custody without incident. During a search of his belongings, officers discovered a Visa debit card with a name that was not his. Hatten claimed to have found the card. Both the debit card and Hatten’s cellular phone were seized as evidence, and a follow-up investigation will be conducted.
Based on the investigation and statements from the victim and witnesses, Ronald B. Hatten was arrested and charged with the following:
–2 counts in violation of F.S.S. 817.568(2)(a), Criminal Use of Personal Identification Information
The Cape Coral Police Department’s Economic Crimes Unit is continuing its investigation into this incident. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Cape Coral Police Department.
Arrested: Ronald B. Hatten (DOB 11/07/1965)