HIGHLAND – Two men and a woman, suspected in various forms of identity theft, were taken into custody by San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies on Friday, October 2. All three suspects had significant warrants.
James Raymond Lyon, 44, of Highland, along with Brian Kelly, 36, and Angelina Ronquillo, 32, both of San Bernardino, were arrested last week. There are numerous victims, according to investigators.
Brian Kelly, who was pulled over on a traffic stop for multiple vehicle violations at 9:48 a.m., was discovered to be a parolee at large – “considered armed and dangerous,” according to Deputy Alfredo Lopez. Inside the car Kelly was driving, deputies discovered hundreds of pieces of stolen mail, stolen credit cards and hundreds of checks in various stages of being altered and forged.
Also found in the vehicle was a large stack of blank check stock paper, laptop computers, a high quality printer, three lock mechanisms from U.S. Postal Service drop boxes, and a handmade key for the locks.
James Lyon and Angelina Ronquillo were found at this motel in San Bernardino.
James Lyon, who was found to have a warrant issued for his arrest, was the designated payee on the altered and stolen checks, said investigators. Deputies found Lyon and Angelina Ronquillo at Knights Inn motel, according to reports. Investigators said Ronquillo provided deputies with a falsified name and identifying information that belonged to another person.
Once authorities determined her true identity, it was discovered that she had a $500,000 warrant issued for her arrest. Lyon was also found in possession of personal identifying and banking information that belonged to various victims. Authorities also discovered methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Charges against all three include felony counts for identity theft, forgery, possession of forged checks, false impersonation, along with stolen credit card possession.
Authorities also notified the U.S. Postal Inspector’s office for potential federal violations. They were booked into the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino. Lyon was due in San Bernardino Superior Court on Thursday. Kelly, who is being held with no bail, is scheduled for a court appearance on Friday. Lopez said residents are reminded to guard their mail – “to be vigilant … and always report suspicious behavior.” He also warned residents to verify checks that are submitted – “that they are processed as you intended.”
