Authorities in San Jose arrested 30-year-old John Mahoni of Sunnyvale on Thursday, charging him with multiple felonies in connection with a large-scale check fraud and identity theft operation. The scheme, which began in May 2022, resulted in losses exceeding $1 million, with several victims targeted.
The San Jose Police Department’s Burglary and Financial Crimes Unit launched an investigation into the fraud ring, uncovering a series of crimes including the alteration of money orders, printing counterfeit checks, and stealing personal checks from victims. The stolen funds were allegedly used to purchase firearms, drugs, and jewelry.
Detectives identified Mahoni as the primary suspect in the case and obtained a $1 million warrant for his arrest, along with a search warrant for his residence. On Thursday, Mahoni was apprehended by the department’s Covert Response Unit. During the arrest, he was found in possession of a loaded “ghost gun” — a privately made firearm — with an extended magazine.
A subsequent search of Mahoni’s home, conducted by San Jose police in collaboration with the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office and U.S. Postal Inspectors, uncovered additional criminal evidence. Authorities discovered a short-barreled assault rifle, an unregistered pistol with extended magazines, and numerous rounds of ammunition. In addition to the weapons, police recovered over 600 stolen checks and 100 altered money orders belonging to various victims.
Mahoni was booked into the Santa Clara County Jail, where he is being held without bail. He faces multiple felony charges, including identity theft, check fraud, and illegal possession of firearms. He is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities continuing to track down others involved in the crime ring.