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A man suspected of identity theft involving multiple victims is in custody. Victims include a woman from Pinole with than $6,600 in fraudulent charges on three newly opened credit card accounts.
Investigators reviewed security video of one of the fraudulent credit card transactions. Pinole police detectives collaborated with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office. They used facial recognition technology to identify a woman accompanying the primary suspect.
When questioned by investigators, she identified the male suspect as Christopher Briscoe, 56, of Fair Oaks. Pinole detectives arrested Briscoe at his residence on November 28th. His residence was searched, and evidence associated with multiple identity theft victims was recovered.
A sophisticated identity theft operation was uncovered, including equipment for manufacturing identity cards and credit card coding machines. Detectives found multiple victims’ identity information, and forged checks in the suspect’s dining room. The suspect’s vehicle was also searched for evidence.
Multiple charges were filed on November 30th against Briscoe including –
- Identity theft PC 530.5(a)
- Identity theft with prior conviction PC 530.5(c)(2)
- Forgery of driver’s license PC 470(a)
- Possession of forged driver’s license PC 470(b)
Last checked, Briscoe remains in custody in lieu of $90,000 bond at the West County Detention Facility in Richmond. His next court hearing is scheduled for December 12.
The investigation is ongoing, anyone with information can call the Pinole Police Department’s criminal investigations division at 510-724-1111.
