(Photo Courtesy: Chino Hills PD)
ID Theft paraphernalia found with suspects

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – On Tues., Apr. 28, the Chino Hills Multiple Enforcement Team (MET) Deputies arrested two Chino women on a slew of charges, including possession of a controlled substance for sale, the theft of identities of dozens of Southern California victims and manufacturing a firearm using a 3D printer.
The extensive investigation started with the simple report of a credit card being stolen off the front porch of a Chino Hills resident. Further investigation discovered the card was used at local retail establishments and the San Manuel Casino.

Patrol and MET Deputies discovered a group of associates who were connected to a larger identity theft ring led by Josephine Chai, 30, of Chino; Jessica Duong, 25, of Chino; and Steven Phong, 32.  Phong was arrested last month for identity theft, along with his associate, Wesley Isaacs, 50.
On the morning of Apr. 25, a search warrant was served at Chai’s Chino residence in the 14000 block of Ironbark Ave.  Upon service of the warrant, Deputies recovered dozens of forged or altered credit cards issued in the suspect’s name, as well as other names; several computers; an embossing machine; a credit card manufacturing machine; several card encoders; foil used to emboss fraudulent credit cards; a card encoder; several white, stock credit cards; a money counter; and hundreds of documents containing the personal information of other probable victims, including bank statements, bills and other mail.
During service of the search warrant, Deputies also discovered a 3D printer that was in the process of creating a lower receiver for an AR-15, which is an integral part of the assault rifle. Deputies also recovered a manufactured lower receiver that was loaded with live ammunition, as well as a manufactured gun loaded with airsoft ammunition.
The suspects had very elaborate computer systems and machinery, with some credit card manufacturing machines that were professional grade, costing thousands of dollars. The suspects were also in possession of mailbox keys throughout various cities. Detectives at the Chino Hills station will be researching the vast information in an effort to identify as many victims as possible.
Chai and Duong were booked at the West Valley Detention Center. This investigation is ongoing.