FORT PIERCE, Fla. (CBS12) — A joint undercover operation between the Indian River and St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Offices has dismantled a sophisticated identity theft ring, with a suspect now facing numerous felony charges.
The investigation began when Linus Cadillac of Vero Beach reported a suspicious attempt to purchase a vehicle using fake identification. Authorities traced the fraudulent activity to a Fort Pierce hotel where the suspect had requested the car be delivered.
The man, identified as Canell, was found staying at the hotel under a stolen identity. A search of his hotel room and a rented U-Haul van — also booked using false credentials — revealed a trove of fraudulent materials, including more than 50 fake driver’s licenses and IDs, international passports, birth certificates, stolen checks, Social Security cards, and stolen mail.
Canell, who has an extensive criminal history, is now facing multiple felony charges in both Indian River and St. Lucie counties. Investigators say the operation may be part of a larger scheme, with further arrests and charges expected.
