Local business owner allegedly scammed, woman arrested

WEST MONROE, La. (KNOE) – A Northeast Louisiana business owner was allegedly scammed, according to the West Monroe Police Department.

In September 2024 WMPD began investigating after the owner of C’est La Vie Boutique filed an identity theft complaint.

The owner told police they entered into a lease-purchase agreement with 28-year-old Savannah Myers Belgard earlier that year.

As part of the agreement, Belgard was given usage rights to complete transactions for the business under a merchant account through Shopify. In the meantime, the owner was to remain in control of the account and Belgard was not to open any new lines of credit.

According to court documents, after the lease agreement was signed Belgard attempted to obtain two credit cards under the owner’s name as well as “personal identifiers” through the Shopify account.

An affidavit states that Belgard managed to secure a loan in the owner’s name for $12,000 and a social security number. Belgard emptied the business and all inventory and property belonging to the owner.

The owner told police that Belgard was also defrauding the business by stealing merchandise.

Belgard was arrested on Friday, December 27, and charged with one count of identity theft.

According to WMPD, this is an ongoing investigation. Additional charges may be added.

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