UPDATE: Two individuals have been arrested in connection with a serious identity theft case involving a 41-year-old Mira Monte woman. The suspects, a 27-year-old man from Carpinteria and a 26-year-old woman from Port Hueneme, pleaded not guilty to multiple felony charges in a state court hearing on December 2, 2023.
This developing situation began when authorities responded to a call on November 11, where the victim reported her purse, containing credit cards and a key fob, had been stolen from her unlocked car parked in her driveway on the 1900 block of Tiara Drive. Subsequent investigations revealed that her credit cards had been fraudulently used across various locations in Ventura County and Santa Barbara County.
Detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office utilized advanced investigative techniques to identify the suspects. On November 23, the Carpinteria man was arrested by the Oxnard Police Department for unrelated charges but was also booked for identity theft. Following his release on bail, the investigation continued leading to the arrest of the Port Hueneme woman on November 29 at 2700 Block of Teller Road in Newbury Park.
During this second arrest, deputies uncovered further evidence linking both suspects to the identity theft case. They are currently held in separate facilities within Ventura County Jail. The Carpinteria man’s bail is set at $250,000, while the Port Hueneme woman’s bail is $90,000.
Both suspects are scheduled for an early disposition conference on December 11, followed by a preliminary examination on December 15 at the Ventura County Superior Court. Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to prevent further incidents of identity theft.
As this case unfolds, community members are reminded of the importance of securing personal belongings, especially in vehicles. Stay tuned for further updates as new information becomes available.
