Fillmore Identity Theft Arrests 

July 24, 2024 – Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials report that on July 23, 2024 (07/23/2024), two suspects were arrested in Fillmore for Identity Theft and related crimes.

On July 22, 2024 (07/22/2024), Fillmore patrol deputies responded to the 100 Block of B Street in Fillmore reference a mail theft.  Residents called to report a community mailbox had been broken into and several people had their mail stolen.

During the nighttime hours, a victim called Sheriff’s Dispatch to report their credit card had been fraudulently used at a local motel.  Fillmore patrol deputies responded to the motel and located evidence related to the mail and identity thefts.  Additionally, patrol personnel identified a suspect vehicle, and (S) Vanessa Lopez out of Moreno Valley as a person of interest.

On July 23, 2024 (07/23/2024), during the early morning hours, patrol personnel located the suspect’s vehicle in the 100 block of Surrey Way in Fillmore.  Detectives from the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation responded to assist.

At about 2:45 A.M. (0245 hours), Fillmore detectives and patrol deputies contacted and detained Lopez near the suspect vehicle.  She was with a male identified as (S) Ryan Araujo from Rialto.  During the detention, additional evidence linking both Lopez and Araujo to the mail and identity thefts was discovered.

Ultimately, both Lopez and Araujo were arrested for several offenses including Penal Code § 182(a)(1) – [Conspiracy to Commit a Crime], 530.5(e) – [Mail Theft], 484(g) – [Fraudulent Use of Access Card], and 530.5(c)(3) – [Identity Theft of Ten Victims or More].  Araujo was additionally arrested for Penal Code § 148.9(a) – [Providing False Information to Peace Officer], 529(a)(3) – [False Impersonation of Another], and Health & Safety Code § 11377(a) – [Possession of a Controlled Substance].  

Both Lopez and Araujo were transported to the Pre-Trial Detention Facility (PTDF) where they were booked for the aforementioned offenses pending court proceedings.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Fillmore Police Department are committed to increasing and strengthening community partnerships and utilizing technologies and evidence-based practices to enhance collaborative efforts at reducing crime and improving public safety of all residents by continued community partnerships. Join us in the fight on crime by following us on Twitter @VENTURASHERIFF, Facebook, Instagram @VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence in providing information to assist our agency in solving crimes. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships.  Join us in the fight on crime by following us on Twitter @fillmoresheriff, Facebook, Instagram @VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories. 

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