Tamarac woman accused of running years-long identity theft scheme involving multiple victims and allegedly using identity of deceased woman

Tamarac, Florida – A Tamarac woman is facing a growing list of criminal allegations after investigators say she was involved in a years-long identity theft operation that affected multiple people, including a woman who had died in 2017.

Authorities say Pearl Sharrell Young, 40, was arrested July 8 following a traffic stop in Tamarac that investigators say uncovered evidence of a much larger investigation involving stolen identities, fraudulent documents, and financial transactions.

According to a Broward Sheriff’s Office arrest report, deputies stopped Young near North University Drive and West Commercial Boulevard after noticing she was driving with a suspended license. During the stop, investigators say Young initially provided another woman’s name before later acknowledging her actual identity.

The traffic stop came as detectives were already investigating Young in connection with several alleged identity theft crimes.

Investigators say the case began after the family of a woman who died in 2017 contacted law enforcement. The family reportedly discovered that someone had continued using the deceased woman’s identity years after her death.

Read also: Weston’s Fourth of July parade float plants find new homes across the city after creating patriotic displays for the community celebration

According to detectives, the investigation uncovered evidence that Young allegedly used the woman’s personal information to create a false identity that allowed her to access important services and documents. Authorities allege that the information was used to obtain driver’s licenses, employment, rental housing, banking records, and other official paperwork.

Detectives also allege that Young fraudulently obtained more than $50,000 while using the deceased woman’s identity.

During questioning after her arrest, investigators say Young admitted to using the deceased woman’s personal identifying information to obtain employment and complete various financial and housing-related documents.

The investigation has continued to expand, and officials say the July arrest was not Young’s first involvement in an identity theft-related case.

Court records show Young had also been arrested in June following a separate investigation by the Coral Springs Police Department. That case reportedly began after an April 2025 traffic stop in Coral Springs.

During that earlier traffic stop, detectives say Young was pulled over for speeding and told a deputy she had left her driver’s license at home. Authorities allege that instead of providing her own information, she identified herself using her sister’s name and date of birth.

Investigators said they became suspicious after Young allegedly struggled to correctly spell the name she provided and gave conflicting explanations about the people who were inside the vehicle.

Read also: Parkland’s Gio Rojas makes history as first Marjory Stoneman Douglas baseball player selected in the MLB first round with No. 16 pick

Several weeks after the traffic stop, the woman whose identity was allegedly used contacted police and reported that Young, who is her sister, had impersonated her.

According to investigators, the woman told police that the incident was not the first time Young had allegedly used her identity.

The Coral Springs investigation reportedly grew as detectives reviewed additional allegations. Authorities allege Young used her sister’s driver’s license, employment details, and other personal information to obtain an apartment at Symphony Builders in Coral Springs.

Investigators are continuing to examine the full scope of the alleged identity theft activity, including whether additional victims may have been affected.

Young was booked into the Broward County Main Jail following her arrest. Jail records indicate that additional felony charges have been added since she was taken into custody, suggesting that the investigation remains active and additional developments could follow.

Identity theft cases can involve significant challenges for victims, particularly when personal information is used over an extended period of time. Officials say investigations often require reviewing financial records, employment documents, housing paperwork, and other forms of identification to determine how stolen information was used.

Authorities have not released additional details about all of the alleged victims or the full amount of financial damage connected to the investigation.

As the case moves forward, detectives continue working to determine the complete timeline and extent of the alleged scheme. Young remains accused of the allegations, and the charges will proceed through the court system.