Amid crisis, Fed chief had ID stolen

A thief stole Anna Bernanke’s purse from the back of her chair at a Capitol Hill Starbucks on Aug. 7, 2008, according to court documents. Inside were her wallet, four credit cards, $5 in cash, and her checkbook, a police report said.

A week later, a $900 check from the couple’s Wachovia Bank account was deposited at a Bank of America in Hyattsville, Md.

George Lee Reid, of Washington, was charged in DC Superior Court with identity theft in the depositing of the check, a case that was later dismissed. But the deposit now is included in charges filed in US District Court in Alexandria, Va., against Reid and nine others, part of what prosecutors say was a nationwide identity theft ring that has caused more than $2.1 million in losses to at least 10 financial institutions.

Yesterday, Bernanke emphasized that identity theft can happen to anyone. “Identity theft is a serious crime that affects millions of Americans each year,’’ he said in a statement. “Our family was but one of 500 separate instances traced to one crime ring. I am grateful for the law enforcement officers who patiently and diligently work to solve and prevent these financial crimes.’’

The purse snatching came during a month in which the financial system was fraying and Bernanke was working nights and weekends to develop plans to take over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Sources said he and his wife were reimbursed by Wachovia and suffered no additional consequences or losses. President Obama this week nominated Bernanke for a second term as the top economic policy maker.

An arrest warrant was issued for Reid. He is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud but has not been located.

Three people have pleaded guilty in the ring since charges were unveiled in June. Court records said the conspirators stole personal identification and bank account information from hundreds of victims, in states that include Virginia, Maryland, and Florida.