Anthony Popielarz

A Sand Lake man has been arrested for illegal use of a stolen credit card, and is also a suspect in other stolen credit card cases.

According to Cedar Springs Police Chief Roger Parent, the victim reported a wallet/credit cardholder stolen from inside their vehicle in December. The card was used at a number of local businesses in an amount totaling over $334.

The police investigated, and on Tuesday, February 5, they arrested Anthony David Popielarz, 20, of Sand Lake. They located the suspect at an address on south Second Street in Cedar Springs and he was taken into custody without incident. His bond was set at $3,000 pending arraignment on Wednesday in 63rd District Court.

Other recent cases include a lost or stolen credit card being used at local businesses, and a credit card being taken from a vehicle parked in the alley between Ash Street and Cherry Street. In that case, the vehicle owner was inside a local tavern. His stolen credit card has been used at a number of local businesses. Those cases are still under investigation.

The Cedar Springs Police Department continues to remind citizens to lock their vehicles and never leave valuables unattended inside a motor vehicle. “Crime prevention starts with you,” said Chief Parent. “Take appropriate action before you become a victim.”