Multi-Pronged Bust – Trio of Identity Theft/Organized Retail Thieves & Meth Purveyors
NORCO – Riverside County Sheriff’s Station/Jurupa Valley, Norco Station Investigators have just released information regarding identity-theft activity busted in Norco on March 15th. The comprehensive nature of the crimes has required extensive investigation.
A trio of individuals were outed for their multi-pronged scamming and dealing activity headquartered in a local hotel when Norco Deputies responded to the 3400 block of Hamner Ave. A noon-hour report told of a victim’s stolen identity funding a hotel stay.
Deputies arrived swiftly to ID three suspects: Juan Morfin (35) from San Bernardino, Francine Fuerte (54), Transient, and Kellie Hailey (35) from Corona. They had been occupying two rooms, rented illegally, while using the victim’s identity.
“Deputies initiated an enforcement stop of the suspect vehicle, occupied by Morfin and Hailey, after they were seen leaving the hotel,” said Sergeant R. Smith. Upon contacting the driver, Morfin – Deputies learned that he was on parole, and the passenger, Hailey, also had an active felony-arrest warrant.
“A search of the vehicle revealed a large quantity of counterfeit credit cards, identification cards containing stolen personal information of numerous victims, and equipment used to manufacture credit cards and identification cards,” added Sgt. Smith. “Fuerte was located within the hotel room in possession of a large quantity of methamphetamine.”
The suspects were placed under arrest, and booked into Robert Presley Detention Center for the following:
Possession of Methamphetamine for sales
Commercial Burglary
Organized Retail Theft
Assorted Felony Warrants and Parole Holds.
Investigating Deputies have recovered and processed evidence consisting of “2.476 lbs./1123.2 grams of methamphetamine, $6,041 in US currency, equipment used to create counterfeit credit cards and identification cards, stolen checks, stolen mail, and items containing stolen identities of others,” said Sgt. Smith.
This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information on case #G210740026 is encouraged to give a call to Deputy Kelley Howell at the Norco Sheriff’s Station – (951) 270-5673.
