Suspected Serial Criminals Arrested for Numerous Coachella Valley Crimes
COACHELLA VALLEY – Two suspects were arrested on multiple charges following an investigation into numerous Coachella Valley robberies, thefts, and instances of fraud.
Following a lengthy investigation into a rash of crimes, the La Quinta Police Department’s Special Enforcement Team and Business District Unit arrested Raymond Araujo, 31 of Coachella and Esther Montoya, 36, of Indio on Wednesday, June 18, 2014. The two suspects are believed responsible for multiple vehicle burglaries, commercial burglaries, frauds, and identity thefts. The crimes occurred in La Quinta, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage, and Indio.
Using specialized surveillance equipment and means, The La Quinta Police Department’s Special Enforcement Team and Business District were able to identify persons they believed to be Aruajo and Montoya burglarizing vehicles and stealing personal property. They are also believed to have stolen purses and wallets from victims from which they obtained credit cards and used at area businesses.
Once the suspects were arrested, search warrants were served at their residences in the 45000 block of Deglet Noor in Indio and the 51000 block of La Ponderosa in Coachella. Authorities searched the premises and also impounded two vehicles to seek further evidence.
Araujo and Montoya were on probation in Riverside Country for previous crimes of burglary and fraud. The La Quinta Special Enforcement Team is continuing with the investigation to follow up on other criminal acts that Araujo and Montoya are suspected to be involved with.
Raymond Araujo was booked for:
- 10 counts of Burglary (Vehicle and Commercial)
- 8 counts of Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards
- 12 counts of Possession of Stolen Property
- 8 counts of Identity Theft
- 21 counts of Violation of Probation
Esther Montoya was booked for:
- 7 counts of Burglary (Vehicle and Commercial)
- 4 counts of Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards
- 12 counts of Possession of Stolen Property
- 4 counts of Identity Theft
- 14 counts of Violation of Probation
The La Quinta Police Department asks that anyone with information that may help further their investigation to contact Special Enforcement Team Officers Evan Kibbey or Rebecca Smith at 760-863-8990.
Read More:
Desert Sun: 2 arrests in suspected crime spree
KESQ: Surveillance methods used to capture suspects
