Arrests Made in Fraud-Forgery Investigation 

November 13, 2024 – Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials report that on November 8, 2024, the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation concluded an investigation with the arrests of (S) Alexander Rocha (23) and (S) Montavious Harriel (24) who were involved with fraud and forgery crimes which victimized residents of Ventura County for thousands of dollars. The individuals were taken into custody following an extensive investigation by the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation.

Alexander Rocha and Montavious Harriel are accused of engaging in fraudulent activities involving financial document forgery. Detectives with the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation became aware of such activities when a victim reported a crime earlier this year. After a lengthy investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant which was executed in October 2024, in the 4200 block of Nimitz Drive in Oxnard. During the warrant service, detectives located and seized additional evidence related to fraud and forgery.

Additionally, several illegal firearms were located and seized, including assault weapons. Alexander Rocha was subsequently arrested for violations of Penal Code § 470 – [Forgery], Penal Code § 25850(a) – [Carrying a Loaded Firearm in a Vehicle], and Penal Code § 30605(a) – [Possession of an Assault Weapon]. He was booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility pending court proceedings.

On November 8, 2024, detectives with the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation and the West County Special Enforcement Unit executed a secondary search warrant in the 200 block of N 2nd Street in Port Hueneme. During the warrant, additional evidence of fraud and forgery was found in Montavious Harriel’s possession. Harriel was arrested for Penal Code § 470(a) – [Forgery] and transported to the Pre-Trial Detention Facility where he was booked for the offense. Harriel was later released on his own recognizance pending court proceedings.

The arrests of both Alexander Rocha and Montavious Harriel reflect the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office commitment to protecting citizens and businesses from financial crimes. The Fillmore Bureau of Investigation encourage community members to remain vigilant against fraud and to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately.

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 @FILLMOREPD, 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 & photo: Ventura County Sheriff's Office