For Immediate Release
| PR #: | 1200040 |
| Date Issued: | Mar 16, 2012 - 3:18pm |
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Sheriff's Detectives and Regional Gang Unit Arrest Identity Theft Suspect |
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| CASE #: | WC12-2137 |
| WHEN: | Arrested on Thursday, March 15, 2012 at approximately 7:07 p.m. |
| WHERE: | Taken into custody in the area of Patton Drive and Wedekind Road Reno, Nevada |
| VICTIM/S: | Undisclosed business in the Spanish Springs area |
| SUSPECTS: | Cepeda, Michael - Bk #12-4376, 29-year-old Reno Resident |
| CONTACT: | Sergeant Armando Avina - |
On March 13, 2012, the owners of a Spanish Springs business reported the theft of a bag containing documents of both a personal and business nature. The theft had occurred on March 6, 2012, after a customer stole the bag from the counter area while the owner was distracted. The owner was able to get a license plate and description of the suspect, which was given to Sheriff's personnel.
On March 16, 2012, Detectives conducted follow-up with the victim and learned their bank accounts, cellular telephone accounts, and a PayPal account had been compromised. The suspect, Michael Cepeda, used the personal identifying information contained in the bag to conduct "take-overs" of their accounts. He then changed billing addresses and ordered new debit cards in order to use their accounts for unlawful purposes.
Based on the information provided by the victims and other investigative techniques, Michael Cepeda was identified as the suspect in the identity thefts. Members of the Regional Gang Unit assisted Detectives in the service of a search warrant at Cepeda's apartment located in the 3500 block of Tripp Drive. Numerous items from the theft were found in the apartment, as well as evidence of his receipt of the newly issued debit cards.
Cepeda was taken into custody a short distance away following a traffic stop. He was also in possession of debit cards and the personal information of the victims. Cepeda was booked into the Washoe County Sheriff's Office Detention Facility for felony Identity Theft, Unlawful Use of a Credit Card and Obtaining Money Under False Pretenses. His bail is set at $35,000.
The Sheriffs Office reminds residents to maintain regular audits of their accounts and immediately report any suspicious activity on their accounts. Rapid discovery and reporting to law enforcement provides the best opportunity of locating and arresting the responsible suspects.
The Sheriff's Office Detectives Unit encourages anyone with information on this case to contact them at 775-328-3320 or remain anonymous by calling Secret Witness at 775-322-4900, www.secretwitness.com, or text the tip to 847411 (tip 411) keyword - SW. If anyone witnesses a crime in progress, the Sheriff's Office recommends calling 911 immediately.
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.