Identity Theft Suspect Arrested 

February 7, 2024 - Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials report that a Thousand Oaks resident was arrested for identity theft involving several victims who attended churches within the city of Thousand Oaks.

In December of 2023, Thousand Oaks Patrol Deputies received a report of identity theft in which a resident of Thousand Oaks had their Tithe/Charitable Donation check stolen, fraudulently altered, and deposited into an unknown suspect’s bank account.

After learning of the incident, the East County Investigations Fraud/Forgery Unit launched an investigation into the matter.  Through an extensive investigation and collaboration with Thousand Oaks Patrol Deputies and bank investigators, detectives were able to identify several other church patrons who also had their Tithe/Charitable Donation checks stolen and their personal identifying information compromised.  Detectives identified the suspect as Thousand Oaks resident, (S) Luis Soto.

Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Soto, and he was taken into custody by members of the Thousand Oaks Directed Enforcement Unit and the East County Investigations Fraud/Forgery Unit.  A follow-up probation search was conducted at Soto’s residence where additional evidence was located.

Soto was booked at the Main Jail for five counts of PC 530.5(a) - Identity Theft along with various special allegations with his bail set at $100,000.00.  Soto’s next scheduled court date is February 6th, 2024, at the Ventura Superior Court.

The East County Investigations Fraud/Forgery Unit would like to remind the public to be diligent when mailing personal checks and to periodically review their account statements to ensure their checks have not been altered.  If you are unsure or concerned that you may have been a victim of identity theft, you can contact the Thousand Oaks Police Department at 805-494-8200.  If you are a victim of identity theft, please contact the Sheriff’s Dispatch non-emergency number at 805-654-9511 to make a report.

The East County Investigations Fraud/Forgery Unit continues to combat identity theft and related crimes through giving presentations to our community while aggressively pursuing the criminals themselves.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime.  The caller may remain anonymous.  The call is not recorded.  Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Source: Ventura County Sheriff's Office