California Fraud Ring Busted: Four Arrested with Counterfeit IDs, Passports, Military Cards

In a significant operation on February 24, 2024, deputies from the Riverside County Hemet Sheriff’s Station executed a search warrant in Hemet, leading to the apprehension of four suspects involved in a complex network of check fraud, counterfeiting, and identity theft.

A thorough search of the premises uncovered a trove of evidence, including counterfeit identifications, counterfeit checks, and the machinery used for counterfeiting. Among the seized items were stolen mail, keys, passports, and credit cards. Shockingly, the counterfeit identifications encompassed state and federal military identification cards, showcasing the extent of the operation.

The primary suspect, 35-year-old Steven Burroughs, was successfully detained along with Kayley Lopez (32), Charles Smith (44), and Hector Mendez (37), all found at the residence on Lyn Avenue in Hemet.

California Fraud Ring Busted: Four Arrested with Counterfeit IDs, Passports, Military Cards

The suspects were identified as key players in an extensive check fraud, counterfeiting, and identity theft ring. Moreover, the discovery of altered tools implicated their involvement in the unauthorized opening of community mailboxes. The investigation further uncovered narcotics-related offences, as deputies confiscated methamphetamine, psilocybin mushrooms, and fentanyl pills during the operation.

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All four suspects, Steven Burroughs, Kayley Lopez, Charles Smith, and Hector Mendez, were taken into custody and subsequently booked at the Cois Byrd Detention Center. They face multiple felony charges related to fraud and narcotics offences.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office is treating this as an ongoing investigation, and additional details are currently unavailable.