San Bernardino Mother Arrested for Using Her Children’s Identity to Obtain Unemployment Benefits

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Ca. – A San Bernardino woman was arrested for using her four children’s information to receive over $56,000 of Unemployment benefits.

Rancho Cucamonga Police received information about an identity theft incident. The reporting party told police that he was contacted by the Employment Development Department (EDD) in September 2020. The representative was inquiring about two accounts, which contained his personal identifying information. The reporting party confirmed his information and learned that the other account was under the name of his 11-year-old child. He also learned that three other claims were filed using the information of his other three minor children. 

Attempting to find out who was using his child’s information, he contacted the bank where the money was being deposited. The bank was able to provide information about $17,000 in recent purchases made using the account. The purchases and ATM withdrawals were made in San Bernardino, Fontana, Diamond Bar and Rancho Cucamonga. He immediately suspected the children’s estranged mother, identified as 31-year-old Ashley Darlene Kelly. He reported the incident and probable suspect to authorities.

Detectives learned that Ashley Kelly used the names, birthdates, and social security numbers of her children to receive EDD benefits. Rancho Cucamonga deputies made contact with Kelly at a home in the City of Riverside, where she was arrested. She was booked into the West Valley Detention Center in lieu of $100,000 bail. She was arrested on identity theft charges. In addition, Kelly was leaned to have an outstanding petty theft warrant. 

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Rancho Cucamonga Sheriff’s Station. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information at www.wetip.com.

For late-breaking news, join 24/7 Headline News on our Facebook Newsgroups for Los Angeles County News, Riverside County News, Adelanto News, Coachella Valley News, U.S./World News, Victor Valley/Inland Empire News. If you like what we are doing and want regular updates on your Facebook stream like our Facebook Fan Page. You may also follow 24/7 Headline News on Twitter and Instagram!