Fontana, CA — A months-long investigation into check fraud led Fontana officers to arrest three suspects on Thursday for a series of crimes, including stolen vehicles, hard drugs, and mail theft.
The investigation began on January 14 when a victim reported that they had placed a check in a Rosena Ranch community mailbox, only to find that the check had been altered, cashed for a different amount, and made payable to someone else. The Fontana Police Department then worked with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office (SBSO) to track down the suspects involved in the crime.
The two initial suspects identified in the theft were 32-year-old David Herrera of Rialto and 29-year-old Charles Alexander Ramsey of San Bernardino. Both men were already incarcerated at the West Valley Detention Center for unrelated charges when they were identified as suspects.
On February 6, authorities executed a search warrant in the 19000 block of W. Cajon Boulevard, where they made additional disturbing discoveries. Investigators found hundreds of pieces of stolen mail and personal identifying information during the search. Additionally, 37-year-old Daniel Joseph Westbrook of San Bernardino was apprehended at the scene after attempting to flee.
Upon investigation, officers learned that Westbrook had arrived in a vehicle that had been stolen from Las Vegas, Nevada, along with a trailer that was parked behind it. The vehicle, a blue Tahoe, had been seen in neighborhoods where mail and personal property were reported stolen. In addition to the stolen vehicles, detectives discovered methamphetamine in Westbrook’s possession.
Authorities believe that Herrera and Westbrook may be responsible for other similar crimes in the Rosena Ranch area and surrounding neighborhoods. Investigators have uncovered a significant amount of stolen mail and personal data, leading them to suspect that the group may have been involved in even more thefts across the region.
“Fontana Sheriff’s Detectives believe Herrera and Westbrook may be responsible for other crimes in Rosena Ranch and surrounding areas,” the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
The investigation remains ongoing, and detectives are urging anyone with information about additional victims or suspects to contact the Fontana Sheriff’s Station at 909-356-6767.
The suspects are facing multiple charges, including identity theft, possession of stolen vehicles, possession of drugs, and mail theft. The investigation highlights the growing concern over stolen mail, identity theft, and the widespread use of stolen property, which have been a priority for local law enforcement.
