TULSA, Okla. — Tulsa Police have arrested Roger Pineda, a suspect linked to a string of identity theft crimes. Pineda is accused of using stolen identities to open fraudulent loans, cell phone plans, and create fake identification.
During a traffic stop on February 13, police found a range of stolen items in Pineda’s car. Detective Amyy Stark revealed that investigators uncovered stacks of personal identification documents, including driver’s licenses, passports, vehicle titles, and stolen checks.
“He was arrested on multiple warrants, and officers found much more evidence of identity theft during the arrest,” said Stark. Among the items discovered were sticky traps—often used for stealing mail—blank checks, and materials for altering checks.
Pineda allegedly used these stolen identities to secure loans, create fraudulent IDs, and buy cell phones online. His criminal history includes a conviction for false personation in 2015, along with several felony convictions dating back to 2013.
Based on evidence found in his car, police were able to identify seven additional victims. The Financial Crimes Unit of the Tulsa Police Department urged residents to monitor their mail and avoid leaving documents in public mailboxes to safeguard their identities.
“If you suspect identity theft, file a police report immediately,” advised Stark. She emphasized that reporting these crimes helps police track and apprehend criminals like Pineda, who was found with victims’ personal information in his possession.
In collaboration with the U.S. Postal Service, authorities have recovered all unopened mail from Pineda’s possession, which is now being returned to the victims. Pineda may also face federal charges for mail theft.
