Detectives identify suspect in theft of Miss Washington’s car, credit cards

Police still haven’t recovered her crown and sash, but
they have identified and charged the man accused of
stealing Miss Washington’s car and everything inside.

Prosecutors have charged Jayson Broderson-Matthai, 32,
with seven counts of identity theft.

Police say Brittney Henry reported her car was stolen late
Feb.
27 or early the next morning from her driveway. She had
pageant
gowns, her Miss Washington crown, sash, and debit and
credit cards inside.

With the help of Onstar, police located the car behind a
motel in Puyallup, but the personal items inside were
gone.

The next day, an investigation revealed the debit and
credit cards were used at an ATM, Lowes and WalMart stores
in Federal Way. Detectives were able to identify one of
the men using the cards with surveillance video and tips
from the public.

“Identity Theft remains the nation’s fastest growing
crime,” said Prosecutor Mark Lindquist. “We are one of the
few Prosecutor’s Offices in Washington with an Identity
Theft Unit and we are committed to holding identity
thieves accountable.”

Broderson-Matthai was arrested on March 16 while driving a
stolen vehicle. He’s being charged with seven counts of
Identity Theft in the 2nd degree, two counts of Possession
of Stolen Property in the 2nd degree, and one count of
Possession of Stolen Property in the 3rd degree. He’ll be
arraigned Thursday afternoon in Tacoma.

Miss Washington is asking the public to keep an eye out
for her “one of a kind” crown and sash.

Detectives say they believe Broderson-Matthai also stole a
Tacoma Fire jacket in a car prowl shortly after stealing
Miss Washington’s car. Crime Stoppers of Tacoma-Pierce
County is offering a reward of up to $1000 for information
that leads to the recovery of the jacket and Miss
Washington’s personal items.