Jun 30, 2009 11:08 pm US/Pacific
Man Fueled ID Theft Scheme With Dumpster Diving
Reporting
Ron Jones
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) ―
Police have arrested a man who allegedly admitted to stealing the
identities of more than 500 people by going through the trash of local
banks and businesses.
The criminal complaint filed against 30-year-old suspect Jonah Nelson claims that he made more than 1,000 fake ID cards that he used to rip off people, stores and banks. Nelson also allegedly admitted to stealing the identities of more than 500 people all across Northern California, ranging from the Bay Area to the Central Valley.
Federal agents say Nelson said it was easy to find new victims: All he needed to do was visit a local bank and search their dumpsters.
Using the sensitive materials he found in the trash, Nelson was able to use a computer to mock up fake identification cards and blank checks, according to authorities. Nelson allegedly confessed to stealing between one to two million dollars in cash and merchandise.
CBS13 was able to find processed deposit slips and junk mail with full names and addresses in the garbage of a local bank.
Allan Guhl says he turned in Nelson after he discovered his alleged identity theft scheme. Nelson dated his stepdaughter and had children with her.
"I was looking out for the grandkids," Allan said. "Just kind of added two and two together."
"In my eyes, he wasn't taking care of the family," he added.
Nelson is in custody in Solano County, facing numerous federal charges ranging from bank fraud to identity theft. According to authorities, some of his close family members were victims.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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