Indictments by the Erath County Grand Jury have occurred for four individuals suspected of being involved in a large-scale fraudulent check and identity theft operation.
Ronald Antonio Amaya-Chicas, 26, was indicted Thursday, April 17 on engaging in organized criminal activity (First Degree felony) and fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, more than 10-less than 50 items (Second Degree felony).
Victor Alonzo Lopez-Chavez, 32, was indicted on engaging in organized criminal activity (First Degree felony).
Devis Adonis Merino-Garcia, 29, was indicted on engaging in organized criminal activity (First Degree felony) and fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, more than 10-less than 50 items (Second Degree felony).
Marlon Alexander Solano-Coreas, 27, was indicted on on engaging in organized criminal activity (First Degree felony) and fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, more than 10-less than 50 items (Second Degree felony).
“We are continuing to work with the Erath County District Attorney’s Office in reference this organization. We look forward to this case being adjudicated and justice being served,” Dublin Police Chief Cameron Ray said. “We feel confident that if this case reaches an Erath court jury that they will ensure that large scale criminal operations such as these know and understand that criminal enterprises are not welcome in Erath County.”
The indictments stem from arrests made from a coordinated operation between Dublin PD, Stephenville PD and Erath County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation revealed the group had allegedly 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 Lopez-Chavez, was located at a local business attempting to cash a fraudulent check.
During the investigation, officers discovered fraudulent 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.
Other indictments in the April 17 Grand Jury include: Albert John Abatte, 57, possession of a substance in penalty group 1, less than 1 gram (State Jail felony); Jimmy Ray Babers, 29, possession of a substance in penalty group 1, 1-4 grams (Third Degree felony); Kathrine Latrice Daniel, 32, abandoning or endangering a child (State Jail Felony); Charles Edward Fuller, 52, possession of a substance in penalty group 1, 1-4 grams (Third Degree felony); Richard Anthony Hood, 36, possession of marijuana, less than 5 pounds, more than 4 ounces, enhanced (State Jail felony); James Mark Jokel, 54, harassment of a public servant (Third Degree felony); Tytlan Dale Kennedy, 24, burglary of a building (State Jail felony); Russell Alex Luna, 34, possession of a substance in penalty group 1, less than 1 gram (State Jail felony); Bobby Perales, 44, possession of a substance in penalty group 1, 1-4 grams (Third Degree felony); Ruben Reyes Jr., 46, two counts of possession of a substance in penalty group 1, less than 1 gram, enhanced (State Jail felony); Tyler Scott Sims, 35, burglary of a habitation, enhanced (Second Degree felony); Cody Allen Smith, 38, possession of a substance in penalty group 1, 1-4 grams (Third Degree felony); Andre Christian Harrison Walker, 34, driving while intoxicated with child passenger (State Jail felony) and Aaron Jonathan Webb, 19, deadly conduct discharge firearm (Third Degree Felony).