A traffic stop led to the arrest of three people for identity theft, drug possession and counterfeiting, the Scotts Valley Police Department said.
On Thursday at approximately 2:35 p.m., a Scotts Valley Police officer stopped a vehicle on southbound Highway 17 and Mt. Hermon Road for driving erratically. Officers determined that the driver had a suspended license and one of the two passengers was on parole.
A parole search was conducted and numerous illicit drugs and paraphernalia were seized. While searching the vehicle, officers also found numerous checks, mail and driver’s licenses belonging to victims in the Santa Cruz, San Jose and Santa Clara County, and photo-colored copied currency, computers, printers, scanners and blank checks.
San Jose residents Andrew Ray Perez, Jason Matthew Meza and Kenna Marie Alexander were arrested and charged with identity theft, possession of methamphetamine, possession of narcotics paraphernalia and counterfeiting. Alexander was also charged with destruction of evidence.
The case is currently under investigation and follow up is being conducted to determine and alert additional victims. The Secret Service was notified and will assist in the investigation. Police are asking that anyone with information surrounding this crime contact the Scotts Valley Police Department’s Investigation Unit at 831-440-5670.
