UPDATE: Two individuals have been arrested and charged with felony identity theft involving a woman from Mira Monte. The suspects, a 27-year-old Carpinteria man and a 26-year-old Port Hueneme woman, pleaded not guilty during their court appearance on December 2, 2023, according to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.
This case is urgent as it highlights the rising trend of identity theft impacting local residents. Authorities report that the Mira Monte woman’s purse, containing her credit cards and key fob, was stolen from her unlocked car parked in her driveway on November 11, 2023. Following the incident, her credit cards were fraudulently used at various locations in both Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.
Detectives swiftly utilized investigative tools, leading them to the two suspects. The Carpinteria man was initially arrested on November 23, 2023, by Oxnard Police for a separate offense but was subsequently linked to the identity theft case. He was released after posting bail of $250,000.
On November 29, 2023, the Port Hueneme woman was apprehended in Newbury Park while deputies discovered she and her accomplice were residing at a nearby hotel. She faces charges of identity theft with a bail set at $90,000. Both suspects remain in separate facilities at the Ventura County Jail.
The investigation revealed more evidence of identity theft at the time of their arrests, underscoring the severity of their alleged crimes. Both suspects are scheduled for an early disposition conference on December 11, 2023, followed by a preliminary examination on December 15, 2023, at the Ventura County Superior Court.
Residents are urged to take precautions against identity theft and report any suspicious activity. This case serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities in our communities and the urgent need for vigilance. Stay updated as more details unfold in this developing story.
