SOUTH PASADENA, Calif. — Two Los Angeles women were arrested on August 25 for their involvement in an identity theft and conspiracy case that began with a stolen purse.
The incident started around 9 a.m. when a South Pasadena resident reported her purse had been stolen from her unlocked vehicle in the 600 block of Stoney Drive. Later that day, the victim was notified that one of her stolen credit cards had been used at a local business on Mission Street.
When the victim visited the business, she was shown surveillance footage of two women using her credit card. The footage also included a clear view of the suspects’ vehicle and license plate.
South Pasadena Police quickly identified one of the suspects from prior contacts and flagged the vehicle in the Flock automated license plate reader system. Around 6 p.m., police were alerted that the suspect vehicle had re-entered the city and was located near Fremont Avenue and Mission Street.
Officers stopped the vehicle, which had three occupants. The two women matched the surveillance footage and were positively identified. Both were arrested and booked at the Pasadena City Jail on charges of identity theft, conspiracy, and felony theft with prior convictions. The third person was released at the scene.
A search of the suspects’ car uncovered a large cache of stolen items, including purses, backpacks, credit cards, driver’s licenses, a laptop, camera equipment, and power tools.
Detectives have since linked the suspects to multiple other victims and expect to file additional charges with the District Attorney’s Office.
