Traffic Stop Leads to Felony Fraud Arrest in Newton County

Charles Kristopher Smith, charged with Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identifying Information and No Driver’s License. Photo Courtesy of Newton County Sheriff's Office.

NEWTON COUNTY, Texas — A routine traffic stop early Tuesday morning led to the arrest of a man accused of possessing fraudulent banking and personal identifying information, according to the Newton County Sheriff’s Office.

At approximately 6:56 a.m. on October 7, 2025, Deputy B. Sonnier conducted a traffic stop on a U-Haul van in the 43000 block of State Highway 87 South for a traffic violation. The driver, identified as Charles Kristopher Smith, was found to be operating the vehicle without a valid driver’s license and was taken into custody for No Driver’s License.

During a vehicle inventory, deputies discovered multiple pieces of fraudulent banking and personal identifying information belonging to a resident of Orange County. When questioned, Smith reportedly told Deputy Sonnier he had “found the documents inside a backpack along a roadway in Jefferson County.”

Newton County deputies coordinated with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office to verify the rightful owner of the documents and confirm the materials were not lawfully possessed.

Smith was transported to the Newton County Jail, where he was formally charged with No Driver’s License and Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identifying Information (5 to <10 items) — a third-degree felony under Texas law.

Sheriff Colton Havard said his office remains committed to holding accountable anyone involved in crimes related to identity theft and financial fraud.

“These types of crimes often reach across county lines, and cooperation with neighboring agencies is vital,” Sheriff Havard said. “Our deputies will continue to pursue cases like this to protect East Texas residents and their personal information.”