Identity Thieves Arrested with 20,000 Personal Profiles, Fraudulent Checks, Stolen Mail
CLAREMONT – Federal offense judgments are in the future for two men with active warrants, who were nabbed during an enforcement stop.
Claremont PD Officers determined that the driver was under the influence of drugs, with a suspended license and a warrant for his arrest. A warrant was out for the passenger as well.
The vehicle was searched near Indian Hill Blvd. and First St. on March 18th at approximately 2:07 PM. Council Member Ed Reece reported, “Officers located stolen mail, credit cards, fraudulent drivers’ licenses and a key used to open community mailboxes. Both the driver and passenger were arrested at the scene.”
Fraud multiplied when Detectives paid a visit to the Claremont Lodge, where the duo had fraudulently checked-in. There, they found a card reader, stolen mail, and fraudulent checks. Over 20,000 personal profiles of ID theft victims were seized.
“The Claremont Police Department is working with the United States Postal Service pursuing federal charges,” said former Police Commissioner Reece. “Joseph Martinez, 39 years old, transient, was arrested for identity theft, mail theft, illegal possession of a card reader, forgery, DUI, and a warrant. Raymond Lussow, 28 years old, from Pomona, was arrested for identity theft, mail theft, illegal possession of a card reader, forgery, and a warrant.”
Martinez is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail. Lussow’s bail is $80,000.
