UPDATE: Two individuals have been arrested and charged with felony identity theft involving a Mira Monte woman, following a swift investigation by authorities. A 27-year-old man from Carpinteria and a 26-year-old woman from Port Hueneme were taken into custody on November 29, 2023, after being linked to the fraudulent use of the victim’s personal information.
According to a press release from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began when deputies responded to a report on the 1900 block of Tiara Drive on November 11. The victim, a 41-year-old resident, reported that her purse, containing credit cards and a key fob, had been stolen from her unlocked vehicle parked in her driveway. The stolen credit cards were later used fraudulently at various locations across Ventura and Santa Barbara County.
Authorities confirmed that detectives utilized advanced investigative techniques to identify the suspects. The Carpinteria man had previously been arrested by Oxnard Police on November 23 for an unrelated offense but was subsequently booked for identity theft after linking him to the Mira Monte case. He was released on bail before the second arrest took place.
On November 29, deputies tracked the Port Hueneme woman to the 2700 Block of Teller Road in Newbury Park, where she and the Carpinteria man were discovered staying in a nearby hotel. She was arrested for identity theft, while he faced additional charges due to an outstanding warrant from Santa Barbara County. During the arrest, further evidence of identity theft was uncovered, leading to additional charges against both suspects.
Both individuals are currently held in separate facilities within the Ventura County Jail. The Carpinteria man’s bail is set at a total of $250,000, while the Port Hueneme woman faces a $90,000 bail amount. They have both pleaded not guilty to all charges.
A court date has been set for an early disposition conference on December 11 and a preliminary examination on December 15, at the Ventura County Superior Court. This case underscores the ongoing issue of identity theft, impacting victims deeply and highlighting the need for vigilance in safeguarding personal information.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow this developing story and provide updates on the legal proceedings.
