Chicago Woman Steals Identity Of 'Empire' Actress Taraji P. Henson, Faces Felony Charge

Taraji P. Henson, who stars as Cookie Lyon on the Fox drama "Empire," was the recent victim of identity theft. Chicago resident Alicia Newby allegedly hacked the actress' email and proceeded to rack up thousands of dollars in fraudulent charges.

According to The Chicago Tribune, Newby, 29, has been hit with a felony charge of "continuing a financial crime enterprise." Allegedly, she was able to charge upwards of $12,000, which included more than $4,000 that was canceled after the star's manager happened to notice the weird activity on her account last August.

Following the access to Henson's email account, Newby was then able to obtain various phone numbers, addresses, and financial information so that she could use them during online shopping sprees. Once Henson noted that purchases were being sent to South Side addresses without specific connections to her, the "Hidden Figures" actress contacted Chicago police.

In order to complete her scheme, Newby had utility bills sent to two South Side addresses. At one of those residences, she allegedly obtained a lease using another stolen identity.

Last September, a U.S. Postal Service carrier believed that her delivery was part of an ID theft scam and refused to deliver to the address, but, according to Assistant State's Attorney James Costello, Newby is said to have "assaulted" them while demanding their delivery. She later received the packages after she "caused a scene."

However, in December, police lost track of her whereabouts after she left her apartment, leaving behind unpaid rent and thousands of dollars in damages. She eventually resurfaced after using her real state ID card when pawning a designer bag. At that time, a pawnbroker and three postal employees were able to identity her via a photo.

At this time, it is unclear how the two women were connected, but police are said to be investigating whether or not Newby victimized any other "Empire" cast members. She is also said to have defrauded JP Morgan Chase, American Express, PayPal and other companies.

She was subsequently arrested over the weekend and police were then able to recover some merchandise that she had fraudulently gained. They are said to currently be waiting for a forensic analysis of several electronic devices belonging to the Chicago woman.

Newby has since been released on a $10,000 signature bail and will be electronically monitored. Additionally, she is barred from using the internet as her case moves forward and from contacting any victims or witnesses. She is expected to return to court next week.