Tag Archives: theft

San Gabriel Valley: Identity Theft Crew Arrested

STAFF REPORTS

Arnulfo Rodarte, left, and Sylvester Curameng (Photo Courtesy: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department)

Arnulfo Rodarte, left, and Sylvester Curameng (Photo Courtesy: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department)

SGV – Over 20 people in cities across Southern California – including Arcadia, Chino Hills, Diamond Bar, El Monte, La Puente, Ontario, San Dimas, West Covina, and Whittier – have been the victims of the Identity Theft Crew.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Lomita Station, released a statement that on Thurs., July 17, suspects attached to this crime have been arrested. Arnulfo Rodarte, a resident of San Pedro, and Sylvester Curameng, a resident of Torrance, are in custody for crimes involving burglary, identity theft, and possession of personal profiles belonging to other individuals. Another suspect, Andrea Serrao, of San Pedro, was also arrested for embezzlement.

On July 6, Rodarte and Curameng used a victim’s stolen credit card to make purchases at a San Pedro Target store, and were captured on video during the crime. Detectives viewing the video footage recognized Rodarte from a previous arrest and immediately obtained a search warrant. During the search they were able to identify Curameng, Rodarte’s crime partner, as well as a notebook and mail with information belonging to more than 20 victims.

The search also revealed that Serrao had rented a 2013 Mercedes Benz C250 from Enterprise Rental Car, and never returned it. It is believed that Serrao rented the car for the suspects to commit their crimes.

Rodarte and Curameng are being held at the Inmate Reception Center on bail in lieu of $20,000; and Serrao is being held at the Century Regional Detention Facility on bail in lieu of $25,000. All three suspects were due to be arraigned in court on July 21 in Torrance.

 

Eastvale: Crime Recap July 2014

STAFF REPORTS 
Crime ImageThe following is a crime recap for the month of July in the Cities of Eastvale, Corona, Norco, and Jurupa Valley. Information is from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and from our Eastvale Community News Facebook Page.

On Tues., July 15 about 11:45 a.m., deputies assigned to the Jurupa Valley Station, Norco Sheriff’s Office, responded to the 2200 block of Vista Ridge in the city of Norco. This was in reference to a stolen vehicle investigation. Upon arriving, deputies located the stolen vehicle parked in the driveway of a residence. As the deputies continued with their investigation, they were able to locate and identify the suspects, who were found hiding in the residence. Lawrence Piper, 30, was arrested for possession of stolen property, burglary, and two felony warrants for parole violations; Julie Stewart, 28, was arrested for possession of stolen property, burglary, and a felony warrant for possession of controlled substance; and Tayler Jenkins, 23, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and violation of probation.

On July 18, at about 1:30 p.m., members of the Riverside Sheriff’s Special Investigation Bureau, along with deputies assigned to the Norco Sheriff’s Office, served a search warrant in the 3700 block of California Avenue, in the city of Norco. The search warrant was the result of an investigation into an illegal outdoor marijuana grow operation at the location. During the search warrant service, over 400 marijuana plants were located and seized. The subsequent investigation resulted in the arrest of two adult suspects, identified as Israel Martinez, 49, and Wilivaldo Arteaga Martinez, 34, residents from the city of Ontario. They were each booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center (RPDC) for marijuana cultivation and conspiracy charges.

On Sat., July 19, at approximately 8:30 a.m., officers from the Jurupa Valley Police Department responded to an assault with a deadly weapon report in the 3400 block of Skylane Drive. At the scene officers found Simona Mateas, 43, lying in the driveway suffering from gunshot wounds. There was reportedly a second victim at the home as well. Both were transported to a local hospital where Mateas succumbed to her injuries. The San Bernardino Police Department was dispatched later in the day responding to a suicide report, whereby Ayram Mateas, the husband of Simona, was found deceased inside the front door of a residence in the 1600 block of West Lincoln Avenue in San Bernardino. Upon further investigation it was found that the Mateas couple had been going through divorce proceedings, which may have instigated the murder/suicide.

On Sunday, July 20, two women were killed in a fiery crash on the I-15 freeway in the early morning hours. According to the California Highway Patrol, Julio Reyes, 34, of Riverside, was driving a black 2014 Lexus sedan while he was traveling southbound at alleged speeds of over 100 mph near Hidden Valley Parkway in Corona, when he slammed into the back of a silver Toyota. The Toyota burst into flames and both women were pronounced dead at the scene. Reyes was found by officers to be under the influence of alcohol and was he arrested on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and drunken driving causing bodily injury. Reyes and two other passengers in his car sustained minor injuries. The names of the women have not yet been released.

 

Chino: Police Arrest Multiple Thieves

BY K.P. SANDER

 

Chino – The Chino Police Department has issued news releases regarding the arrest of a Copper Wire Thief, as well as the arrest of four individuals who misused an EBT card.

 

On Thurs., June 5, Chino Police officers arrested a suspect at approximately 4:52 a.m. after receiving a call regarding a suspicious person in the area. Officers responded to a vacant residence in the 5100 block of Washington Avenue at approximately 1 a.m. regarding a possible burglary. During the initial investigation officers were unable to locate any suspects. After several hours of proactively patrolling the area, they came into contact with Allen Dane, 40, of Pomona, who is currently on parole. Dane was located about a half mile from the property on Washington Avenue.

 

Through investigation, Dane was linked to the residence, where it was confirmed that he had entered the house and stolen copper wiring. He was subsequently arrested and booked into the West Valley Detention Center for burglary and possession of drug paraphernalia.

 

According to FBI.gov, the demand for copper from developing nations such as China and India is creating a significant international copper trade. Thieves are exploiting this demand by stealing and selling the metal for high profits to recyclers across the U.S. As the market expands, the need for copper will continue to encourage theft. Metal thieves are targeting vacant homes and construction sites, and cutting copper wiring from air conditioning/heating units, plumbing, telephone lines, cell towers and other means, the tampering of which presents a serious public threat by disrupting the flow of electricity and creating fire risks.

 

According to the Chino Police Department, copper wire theft continues to be an ongoing crime trend, causing victims thousands of dollars in repairs. Residents are asked to be vigilant in recognizing and reporting suspicious activity related to subjects who are in possession of copper wire, wire cutting tools, or appear to be tampering with objects or locations containing copper wire.

 

In another arrest, Chino Police officers arrested four suspects on Wed., June 4, at approximately 1 p.m. while conducting an undercover operation on the 5200 block of Philadelphia Street. According to a CPD news release, officers encountered three subjects who were sharing cash proceeds after one of them used a California Advantage EBT card (public assistance funds) to withdraw cash from a local market. The investigation reveled that the cardholder was not entitled to receive these cash benefits, but through a relationship with a store employee, funds were withdrawn from the account through the merchant’s register. The store employee received cash compensation for his involvement.

 

Chino residents Derek Greenshields, 24, and Ann VanWinkle, 23, were arrested for conspiracy, burglary, and unlawful transfer of public assistance funds.  Scott Sanchez, 28, from Pomona, and Nabil Dib, 54, from Placentia, were arrested for conspiracy and unlawful transfer of public assistance funds.  All suspects were booked into the West Valley Detention Center.

This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this type of crime should call the Chino Police Department at (909) 628-1234.

 

 

 

Eastvale: Crime Recap 04.29.14

STAFF REPORTS icon.crime.weekly.news

 

The following crime incidents have been reported by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and the City of Eastvale.

On Thurs., April 3, and Sun., April 6, officers assigned to the Eastvale Police Department responded to Chase Bank in reference to an attempted theft of the stand-alone ATM machine. Detectives assumed the investigation and later determined a separate ATM theft in the City of Hemet that occurred on April 11 in the 1800 block of East Florida Avenue was committed by the same suspects. In a collaborative effort between the Eastvale Detectives and the Hemet Police Department, the two suspects were located in Riverside. Due to the more serious crime of grand theft occurring in the Hemet Police Department’s jurisdiction, they assumed the investigation and the suspects were arrested and booked into the Southwest Detention Center for both the attempted thefts in Eastvale and the grand theft in Hemet. Ernest Brandon Causey, a 26-year old resident of Riverside was arrested for vehicle theft, conspiracy, grand theft, attempted grand theft and an outstanding misdemeanor warrant for petty theft. Causey is being held on $167,000 bail. Thomas Carlton Wilson, a 38-year old transient of Riverside was arrested for vehicle theft, conspiracy, grand theft, attempted grand theft and violation of parole. Wilson is currently being held without bail.

On Sat., April 5, at 12:30 a.m., officers assigned to the City of Eastvale responded to the area of Burrage and Rolling Meadows streets regarding the report of gunshots. Upon arrival officers located evidence that indicated someone was possibly shot and injured at that location. Within a few minutes, they received information that an adult female suffering from several gunshot wounds was dropped off in front of a local hospital. Officers discovered the female was shot by her estranged boyfriend, Alfredo Lopez, Jr., a 33-year old resident of Eastvale. After the shooting, Lopez drove the victim to a local hospital, where he dropped her off outside the front door and fled the area in his vehicle. Investigators received information that Lopez was in Los Angeles County and law enforcement agencies throughout Southern California were notified of this incident. At approximately 7:05 a.m., a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy spotted Lopez driving in the City of Hawaiian Gardens. When the deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Lopez’ vehicle, Lopez failed to yield and a pursuit was initiated. Lopez’ vehicle became disabled and he stopped in a parking lot near the intersection of Carson St. and Norwalk Blvd. Lopez barricaded himself inside his vehicle and refused to exit for several hours. At approximately 2:45 p.m., Lopez exited his vehicle and was placed under arrest. Lopez was turned over to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and transported back to Riverside County for further investigation. He was later booked into Robert Presley Detention Center for kidnapping and attempted murder.

On Thurs., April 24, at 3:07 a.m., officers from the Eastvale Police Department were investigating a suspicious person call in the 6500 block of Emerald Downs St. At the residence, officers found the rear door was forced open. Inside the residence, officers discovered an indoor marijuana grow operation. Officers from the City of Eastvale Special Enforcement Team responded and obtained a search warrant for the residence. They seized 429 marijuana plants, ten pounds of processed marijuana and packaging material.  Additionally, electricity was being bypassed around the meter, causing a serious fire hazard and resulting in approximately $6,250 per month in stolen electricity.

On Fri., April 25, at 12:12 A.M., deputies assigned to the City of Eastvale responded to a major injury traffic collision on the west side of the intersection involving a bicycle and a black sedan. The preliminary investigation revealed the black sedan was westbound on Limonite Avenue and collided into a bicyclist, who was southbound on Hamner Avenue in the west crosswalk.  The Eastvale Fire Department and American Medical Response (AMR) responded to the scene and treated the victim. The victim was transported to a regional hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The victim’s name is being withheld pending notification of the next of kin. This case is still under investigation.

Diamond Bar Resident Allegedly Steals Mother’s Memories

STAFF REPORTS

diamond-bar-resident-uses-Norris-stolen-credit-card

Photo released shows a couple using Norris’ stolen credit cards. (Photo Courtesy: Murrieta Police Department)

Murrieta – On March 31 Ashley Norris’ purse was taken from a locker at a Murrieta LA Fitness. The purse contained some of the toys belonging to Norris’ infant son, who died last year.

 

According to Murrieta Police, two people were suspected of stealing Norris’ purse and they were able to pull surveillance images of a couple who were allegedly using the victim’s stolen credit cards. Norris, who was devastated by the loss of these precious toys, reached out to various media outlets and handed out flyers at the gym in an effort to find any information. On April 18, Murrieta Police announced that through several anonymous tips and leads, the suspects were identified as Amanda Sander, a Diamond Bar resident, and Romulo Castaneda. Sander was taken into custody early last week and booked into the Los Angeles County Jail on an unrelated charge.

 

According to local reports, Sander was interviewed but refused to cooperate. Sander was linked to the case after she gave the stolen purse to a friend who did cooperate with the investigation. When the purse was recovered by detectives, the toys were not in the bag and as of now have not been located.

 

Castaneda had been unknown, but last week he was tracked down to a Chino Hills motel and arrested without incident. He was transported back to Murrieta for questioning. Castaneda gave a statement, but was unable to give a location of the toys, according to Murrieta Police. Castaneda was arrested and booked into Murrieta Jail on charges of fraud, burglary and identity theft.  He posted $5,000 bail and was released Friday, according to jail records. Sander remains in jail in Los Angeles County. At this time Ashley Norris remains without the toys that are a precious memory of her late son. According to a Patch interview, she is hoping that Sander will eventually cooperate and at least tell her if they were thrown away so she can have some peace.

Eastvale: ATM Machine Attempted Theft Suspects In Eastvale and Hemet Caught

Image
Courtesy City of Eastvale

Date Written: April 17, 2014 Time Written: 10:00 AM 
Date of Incident: April 3 and April 6, 2014 Time of Incident: 4:40 AM 
Location of Incident: 6000 Block of Hamner Avenue, Eastvale 
Reporting Officer: Sergeant Vanessa Sloniker 
File Number: EV140930004 and EV140960004 

On Thursday, April 3, and Sunday April 6, 2014, officers assigned to the Eastvale Police Department responded to the Chase Bank in reference to an attempted theft of the stand-alone ATM machine. Detectives assigned to the Eastvale Police Department assumed the investigation and later determined a separate ATM theft in the city of Hemet that occurred on April 11, 2014 at the 1800 block of East Florida Avenue was also committed by the same suspects. In a collaborative effort between the Eastvale Detectives and the Hemet Police Department the two suspects were located in the city of Riverside. Due to the more serious crime of grand theft, occurring in the Hemet Police Department’s jurisdiction they assumed the investigation and the following suspects were arrested and booked into the Southwest Detention Center for both the attempted thefts in Eastvale and the grand theft in Hemet: 

Ernest Brandon Causey, a 26 year old resident of Riverside was arrested for vehicle theft, conspiracy, grand theft, attempted grand theft and an outstanding misdemeanor warrant for petty theft. Causey is being held on $167,000 bail. 

Thomas Carlton Wilson, a 38 year old transient of Riverside was arrested for vehicle theft, conspiracy, grand theft, attempted grand theft and violation of parole. Wilson is currently being held without bail. 

Anyone with additional information on this case is encouraged to contact Eastvale Detective, Ted Gonzales by calling (951) 955-2600.

Citizens may also submit an anonymous tip using the Sheriff’s CrimeTips online form.

(Photo by Bree Pressler Dennis)