Traci S. Golden, 44, of East Chicago, has been charged after police say she obtained a used car from an East Chicago dealership with a $5,133.65 check tied to an account that was closed.

According to court documents, Golden and an unidentified man went to a used-car dealership in East Chicago in January and arranged to purchase a gray 2015 Ford Taurus. Golden allegedly provided a Bank of America check for $5,133.65. The dealership initially told Golden the vehicle would not be released until the check cleared.

The following day, Golden allegedly contacted the dealership demanding the vehicle and claimed the check had cleared on her end. The dealership checked its account, believed the check had cleared and released the Ford Taurus to Golden.

The dealership later learned the check had not actually cleared and that the account it was drawn from had been closed. The $5,133.65 was subsequently removed from the dealership’s account, according to court documents.

The dealership later reported continued communication with Golden, who allegedly maintained she had not stolen the car and that the situation was a civil matter. Golden allegedly said the vehicle was in Wisconsin and that money for fuel would have to be provided if the vehicle was returned.

According to the affidavit, the dealership also learned Golden had allegedly attempted a similar vehicle purchase at a used-car dealership in Whiting. Investigators were told Golden had previously obtained a vehicle there using a check that did not clear. That dealership reportedly recovered its vehicle and did not pursue further legal action.

On January 22, police were informed that the Ford Taurus had been recovered in Chicago and returned to the East Chicago dealership. Police said photographs showed the vehicle covered with a tarp in what investigators described as an apparent attempt to conceal its whereabouts.

Investigators also reviewed social-media conversations attributed to Golden in which she allegedly told the dealership the vehicle would not be returned and stated that it had been destroyed, according to court documents.

Lodged in the Lake County Jail on September 1, 2026.

Charges filed August 20, 2026:

Fraud — Level 6 Felony

Auto Theft — Level 6 Felony