Lee detectives say a routine traffic stop Wednesday on Interstate 75 unveiled a tax fraud scheme.

The Lee County Sheriff's Office Highway Interdiction Unit initiated a traffic stop on a white Nissan Altima traveling northbound on I-75. The passenger, Shontaye Lynn Pittman, 33, of Tampa, was not wearing her seat belt. The driver did not stop for approximately 1/2 mile, and detectives could see Pittman leaning toward the back seat, moving items in the vehicle, arrest reports said.

Detectives made contact with driver, Pittman's sister. Reports say they could smell burned marijuana and there was an open beer in the cup holder. In the rear of the vehicle, detectives observed a computer, numerous bank cards, several notebooks, and a piece of paper with a name and Social Security number written on it that did not match either woman in the car.

According to reports, a search on both women revealed Pittman had an extensive criminal history including federal convictions for conspiracy to traffic cocaine.

When asked about the suspicious materials in the vehicle, detectives say Pittman admitted to the identity theft and advised them she had eaten the marijuana.

Based on the large amount of information recovered, not all of the victims were listed in the arrest report. It is uncertain how much money was obtained through this scheme.

Pittman is facing charges of five counts of fraud. There is no mention in reports that Pittman's sister is facing any charges.