Suspects Found With 57 Stolen IDs, Police Say

A Murrieta couple was recently arrested on suspicion of multiple counts of identity theft and fraud, police said today.

Police on Monday searched the Murrieta residence of 21-year-old Joseph Roybal, where they found identity information allegedly stolen from 57 victims, Murrieta police Sgt. Robert Anderson said, in a news release.

The investigation began March 26 when police followed up on allegations of identity theft and check fraud. A victim told police they had contacted several credit agencies and were told there was possible suspect information, Anderson said.

The responding officer was able to identify the suspect as Roybal. Because Roybal was on active probation, police were entitled to search his residence Monday in the 41100 block of Lorient Court, Anderson said. Roybal shares a room at the residence with his girlfriend, 18-year-old Kelsea Anne Ryan of Murrieta, he said.

"Identifying information, account information and checks of the identify theft victim were located, along with identity information for 56 other victims," Anderson said.

"Several victims were contacted and stated the documents/ID cards/credit cards were stolen out of their vehicles. At least four checks were forged and made payable to Roybal."  

Both were arrested and booked at Southwest Detention Center, Anderson said.

They are suspected of identity theft with more than 10 victims, forgery, possession of stolen property, possession of a controlled substance and conspiracy. Additionally, Roybal was bookd on alleged violation of probation. 

Roybal was since released on $25,000 bail, according to sheriff's jail records. Ryan was being held at Robert Presley Detention Center on $75,000 bail, records show.

Police were continuing their investigation and asked anyone with further information to contact Cpl. Andrew Dorcas at 951-696-3615. Information may also be provided anonymously through "We Tip" at 1-800-78-Crime.