Theft Forgery Suspect Arrested after investigation by SCV deputies

Recently, a man was arrested by deputies working out of the Santa Clarita Sheriff Station on multiple charges, including identity theft with a prior, forgery, fraud, and others. The arrest came after a lengthy investigation into who the suspect was and where they were located.

According to reports, deputies had been looking for the suspect for some time because he’d had multiple active warrants for his arrest. Eventually, the investigation led the deputies to Woodland Hills where they found and arrested the suspect. After a search was conducted of his home, deputies found altered mailbox keys and numerous (stolen) checks not addressed to the suspect.

The suspect has numerous priors and is currently being held at the Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Station.

Forgery is covered under California Penal Code 470 PC and is described as falsifying a signature or altering certain types of documents with fraudulent intent. A few examples of forgery include:

Signing another person’s name (whether they exist or not)
Counterfeiting the seal or handwriting of someone else
Altering, corrupting, or falsifying any legal will, document, or codicil
Falsely make, alter, or forge checks, bonds, or money orders

Forgery is usually a “wobbler” which can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances of the case and the defendant’s prior criminal history. When charged as a misdemeanor, the potential penalties include up to one year in county jail and/or summary probation. Felony penalties include up to three years in jail. In both cases, a judge can impose probation (summary or felony) instead of jail time.

Identity theft is covered under California Penal Code 530.5 PC and is described as using someone else’s personal identifying information for fraudulent or another criminal purpose. Identity theft is also a “wobbler” that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Misdemeanor penalties include up to one year in county jail, while felony penalties include up to three years in county jail. Like fraud, a judge can choose to sentence a defendant to probation instead of jail time.