Missoula Woman Poses as Public Official, Withdraws $8,900

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On October 23, 2026, Missoula Police Department officers responded to Clearwater Credit Union at 1775 Russell Street after an employee reported a woman, Renee Sherry, attempting to withdraw money using fraudulent identification. A credit union employee told officers the woman had presented identification cards belonging to two other individuals, one of which was a public official. 

Investigators learned Sherry had successfully withdrawn $8,900 from the credit union's North Reserve Street branch earlier that day while posing as the public official. She allegedly attempted to withdraw approximately $8,000 from the South Russell Street branch while using the other individual's identity. She also reportedly attempted to conduct a transaction at a third branch on 34th Street. 

Officers located Sherry shortly after the initial report. When questioned, she initially claimed she was trying to obtain money for a friend named Cynthia. She also told officers she did not have identification with her. 

However, while being transported to the police station, Sherry produced two identification cards from her bra. One contained her photograph but identified her as Cynthia. Officers confirmed her actual identity was 53-year-old Renee Sherry. 

During the investigation, another credit union employee described an interaction with Sherry in which she requested $8,954 from a home equity line of credit. Sherry reportedly claimed the money was for a home renovation but struggled to answer security questions, including questions about her marriage. She eventually said she needed to return with her husband. 

Investigators contacted the public official, who confirmed she had not authorized the $8,900 withdrawal. The credit union reportedly agreed to reimburse her for the transaction. 

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

Police also located the blue Honda SUV Sherry had been traveling in with two men in Laurel, Montana. The vehicle was seized pending a search warrant. Investigators learned the vehicle, Sherry and the two men, were also suspects in numerous interstate bank fraud cases. The investigation remains ongoing. 

Sherry is currently being charged with felony theft of identity economic benefit greater than $1500 and attempted theft of identity economic benefit greater than $1500. Her bond was set at $50,000. 

The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.