Three Arrested for Stealing and Using Credit Card Numbers from Phelan Tire Shop

Staff Writer

Friday, February 24th, 2017

VICTORVILLE – Three suspects are arrested as a result of an identity theft ring operation at a home in the 12300 block of San Dimas Street in the City of Victorville. On Thursday, detectives from the Victor Valley Station served a search warrant that was obtained as a result of an investigation into multiple identity theft cases in the High Desert.

Numerous checks and credit cards were discovered, all of which were manufactured at the home. Detectives also located a loaded handgun with the serial number filed off. According to authorities, the identity theft ring located, resulted in the loss of several thousands of dollars to multiple victims.

“The ring was using a Phelan business, Jr’s Tire Shop, to obtain credit card information from patrons of the business,” Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station spokeswoman Pamela Hoffman said in the news release. “Due to a sophisticated scheme, the criminals were able to obtain bank account information and create credit cards which they used to purchase goods and other pay-as-you-go type cards.”
Anthony Michael Carrillo, 31, of Victorville, Crystal Monique Lobato, 30, of Victorville, and Moses Aguilar, 23, of Hesperia were all arrested on charges of charges of conspiracy and possession of more than 10 person’s identity with the intent to defraud.

Labato and Carrillo were found to have prior felony convictions in 2011 for attempted forgery of access cards, for being in possession of a concealed weapon amongst addition charges with a gang enhancement. Carrillo and Lobato, were also detained on Ponderosa Ranch Road in the City of Victorville on January 11, 2017, after being reported by residents who witnessed them stealing mail. Both were later located when deputies located their vehicle in the 12300 block of San Dimas Street. The report was forwarded to the District Attorney’s office for possible charges.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective DeBois at the Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station at (760) 552-6801. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may report information to WeTip at 800-78-CRIME (27463) or by accessing the WeTip website at www.wetip.com.