Identity Theft Suspects Target Victims Throughout SoCal

The three suspects are due to appear in Torrance Court Monday for their arraignment.

Two South Bay men and one woman have been arrested in connection with identity theft crimes that involved more than 20 victims all over Southern California.

San Pedro resident Arnulfo Rodarte and Torrance resident Sylvester Curameng (below) were captured on video using a victim’s stolen credit card to make purchases at a Target store in San Pedro on July 6, according to the LA County Sheriff’s Department.

Officials said that this specific crime was deemed vehicle burglary because the credit card was taken from an unlocked car that was parked in a subterranean parking structure.

Lomita Station detectives were reviewing video footage of the crime Thursday and recognized Rodarte, who they had arrested in the past.

Upon obtaining a search warrant, they found numerous pieces of mail and a notebook with identity information for victims in 27 different Southern California cities including Rancho Palos Verdes, Alhambra, Chino Hills, Long Beach, Moreno Valley, San Dimas and Whittier.

Rodarte and Curameng were arrested Thursday for burglary, identity theft and possession of personal profiles.

San Pedro resident Andrea Serrao was also arrested for embezzlement. Serrao allegedly rented a Mercedes Benz C250 from Enterprise Rental Car and never returned it. Police believe she rented the vehicle for Rodarte and Curameng, who were using vehicle to commit their crimes.

The three are due to appear in Torrance Court Monday for their arraignment.

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