Pa. man stole from pediatric cancer group, others: police

An Allentown-area man is accused of stealing more than $600,000 in checks and 40+ debit and credit cards from various victims, police said.
Cesar Eduardo Martes-Cedano, 24, is charged with one count of felony unauthorized use of an access device and two counts of misdemeanor unauthorized use of an access device.
South Whitehall Township police announced the charges against Martes-Cedano Thursday on the department’s Facebook page. Court records did not immediately list an attorney representing Martes-Cedano
Police said the investigation began after detectives received a report involving a local business, and then authorities identified several other potential victims.
Investigators obtained a search warrant and raided Martes-Cedano’s property.
They seized stolen checks, debit and credit cards, and numerous fraudulent documents and electronic devices that contained evidence of “fraudulent activity,” police said of the search.
While in possession of a stolen corporate credit card from the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley, Martes-Cedano bought $900 worth of items in April at Dick’s Sporting Goods and Walmart, both in Whitehall, the Morning Call reported, citing court records.
He tried to use the card at a Best Buy store, but it was declined, the report stated.
The investigation into the case remains ongoing by South Whitehall Township Police Department and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Martes-Cedano was arraigned Nov. 25 before District Judge Daniel C. Trexler, who initially set bail at 10% of $150,000.
On Dec. 2, a judge decreased Martes-Cedano’s bail to $75,000. Unable to post bail, Martes-Cedano remained Friday at the Lehigh County jail.
Court records show Martes-Cedano gave up his right to a preliminary hearing on Dec. 2 before Trexler. The judge sent all the charges to the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas, where Martes-Cedano could stand trial.
Martes-Cedano is due to appear in county court for a formal arraignment tentatively scheduled for Jan. 16 before Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas Judge Robert L. Steinberg.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call South Whitehall Police Detective Tyler Doherty at 610-398-0337.