Multiple arrests occurred over the weekend for four individuals suspected of being involved in a large-scale fraudulent check and identity theft operation.
In a coordinated operation between Dublin PD, Stephenville PD and Erath County Sheriff’s Office on Friday, Jan. 31 an investigation revealed the group had been passing fraudulent checks at multiple locations, including in Dublin, Stephenville and potentially other areas.
The operation was first uncovered after a concerned citizen reported suspicious activity, following the suspects and alerting authorities. Officers quickly located a vehicle occupied by some of the suspects, while one individual, later identified as Victor Alonzo Lopez-Chavez, was located at a local business attempting to cash a fraudulent check.
During the investigation, officersdiscoveredfraudulent identification documents, forged checks, a stolen firearm, and over $19,000 in U.S. currency believed to be proceeds from the fraudulent activities. A ‘license plate flipper’ was also found in the vehicle, indicating an attempt to evade detection.
Authorities have identified additional individuals involved in this operation and are actively working to locate them.
“The incident that occurred in Dublin on Jan. 31 exemplifies our dedication to combating crimes against our community. This incident demonstrated teamwork through several agencies who came together to meet a common goal,” Sergeant Kristi Bonilla said.
Investigators believe the group is connected to undocumented migrants with possible gang ties to the Houston area.
“The investigation is ongoing and we do not believe that any of the actors involved with this operation are local to our area,” Dublin Police Chief Cameron Ray said.
The suspects arrested are being held in the Erath County Jail, facing multiple charges including: Ronald Antonio Amaya-Chicas, 26, on charges of Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity – Forgery, Possession of License Plate Flipper, Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identifying Information and Theft of a Firearm; MarlonAlexanderSolano-Coreas, 33, on charges of Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity – Forgery, Possession of License Plate Flipper Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identifying Information and an immigration hold; Devis Adonis Merino-Garcia, 29, on charges of Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity – Forgery, Possession of License Plate Flipper, Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identifying Information and an immigration hold; and Victor Alonzo Lopez-Chavez, 32, on charges of Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity – Forgery, Forgery by Passing and an Immigration Hold.
Dublin PD is currently being assisted in the investigation by federal agencies including U.S. Border Patrol as well as other federal law enforcement agencies.
“The Dublin Police Department is continuing to investigate the full scope of this extensive operation and any potential connections to broader criminal networks,” Ray said.
The chief commended the work of Dublin PD Sergeant Kristi Bonilla and Dublin PD Detective Nancy Wilson, Stephenville PD Sergeant Fincher and Chief Dan Harris and ECSO Deputy Chasteen and Deputy Fetters for their immediate and invaluable assistance during this investigation.
“This case highlights the importance of teamwork between local and federal agencies in addressing complex criminal activity. We are committed to ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice and ensuring that our victims receive restitution for their financial losses,” Ray said. “Based on the information currently available to us, it is our belief that none of the individuals involved in this incident are local to our area. It appears that this group specificallytargetssmall,rural communities and businesses, likely in an effort to avoid detection. Their operational plan seems to involve committing fraudulent acts and departing before the wrongdoing is noticed. The swift and effective response of our officers in locating the vehicle sends a clear message to those responsible. If these individualsattempttooperate in Erath County, they will be apprehended, and they will be held fully accountable for their actions.”