North Bay sheriff arrests couple for identity thefts, fraud
Nov 06, 2024
(KRON) -- A months-long investigation into several reports of identity theft, fraud and mail theft across southern Marin County led deputies to arrest a couple in a Vallejo hotel Monday, according to the Marin County Sheriff's Office.
The investigation into the identity thefts and fraud began in September, the sheriff’s office said. Deputies were able to identify Travis Penaluna as the suspect in several of the cases. Penaluna allegedly secured a loan using the name of an identity theft victim and purchased a vehicle that was used in future crimes. Penaluna’s girlfriend, Christina Taylor, was also identified as assisting him with the crimes, authorities said.
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On Monday, detectives and U.S. Marshals located the couple at a hotel in Vallejo. A search of their room uncovered items related to identity theft, fraud and forgery, MCSO said. Authorities said stolen mail, checks, identity items, black check stock and card printers were located along with a loaded, unregistered firearm and narcotics.
Penaluna was arrested and booked into the Marin County Jail for:
Possession of stolen property
Burglary
Possession of a controlled substance while armed
Felon in possession of a firearm
Felon is possession of ammunition
Making fictitious checks
Grand theft auto
Obtaining credit with another’s ID
Carrying a loaded firearm
Possession of burglary tools
Conspiracy to commit a crime
Taylor was arrested and booked into the Marin County Jail for:
Possession of stolen property
Burglary
Obtaining credit with another’s ID
Possession of narcotics paraphernalia
Possession of a switchblade
Conspiracy to commit a crime
Penaluna was previously convicted of similar federal crimes and had a federal warrant for his arrest after escaping from a rehabilitation program, the sheriff’s office said. Taylor was out of California prison on parole and had a parolee at large warrant for her arrest.