Photo: Merced Identity Theft suspects
MERCED – In December of last year a mail theft investigation began that involved individuals who used data gathered from the theft to obtain personal identification information.
The investigation determined that brothers Kevin and Ruben Chavez were the suspects in this case. Their unlawful actions affected at least 10 victims and the total theft was at least $10,000.
The brothers used the stolen information to open various credit and financial accounts. They added package theft from homes to their criminal actions.
Based on their gathered information, members of the Gang Suppression Unit and M.A.G.N.E.T. (Merced Area Gang and Narcotic Enforcement Team) obtained two search warrants and, on May 3, served them on the brothers.
Investigators recovered meth, heroin, “and other items related to identify theft and drug sales.”
Kevin Chavez and Priscilla Flores were arrested on various identity theft and child endangerment charges. Brother Ruben remains at large,
The MPD adds, “Merced Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this crime to contact Detective Moses Nelson at (209) 388-7756. The public can send information via anonymous text messages to police department by dialing “TIP411” (847411) and including the word “Comvip” as the “keyword” in the text message.”
