Early yesterday morning, police officers responded to a local hotel after staff reported a group trying to check in using fake credit cards and identification, according to the Huntington Beach Police Department.
The suspects took off before the officers arrived, but they didn’t get very far…During an area check, the officers quickly found them.
The officers uncovered a pile of evidence, including numerous fraudulent IDs, forged checks, and several checks that may belong to victims of mail theft.
The investigation is ongoing as the police detectives work to identify the victims.
Needless to say, the suspects’ “vacation plans” changed, and they were arrested on multiple felony charges and outstanding warrants, then checked into the HBPD jail.
A big thank you to the alert hotel staff for reporting the crime!
Remember, if you see something suspicious, call the police even if the suspects have already left. The officers will still check the area, because in Huntington Beach, crime doesn’t pay.
Here’s a summary of the potential penalties the suspects could face under California law:
- Possession or Use of Fake IDs (Penal Code §470b)
- This is a “wobbler” offense, meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail and/or a fine up to $1,000.
- Felony: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.
- Forgery of Checks (Penal Code §470)
- Forging or passing a forged check is also a “wobbler.”
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail.
- Felony: Up to 3 years in state prison.
- Mail Theft (Penal Code §530.5(e))
- Usually charged as a misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail and/or a fine up to $1,000.
- If linked to identity theft or high-value items, charges can escalate to felony grand theft or identity theft, carrying up to 3 years in prison.
- Outstanding Felony Warrants
- These require mandatory court appearance and cannot be resolved by payment.
- Penalties depend on the underlying charges but typically involve arrest, bail, and prosecution for the original felony offenses.