In a series of arrests that reads like a procedural drama, two young adults from Monterey Park were nabbed on charges of identity theft and conspiracy, following a vigilant investigation by Moorpark authorities. The suspects, identified as 20-year-old Kaixiang Jia and 18-year-old Yesen Wang, allegedly orchestrated scams targeting the elderly, leading to their arrest on March 7, in the cozy town of Moorpark, CA.
The scam unraveled when a Texas resident tipped off the Moorpark Investigations Bureau about their elderly mother falling for the deceitful trap set by the suspects. Law enforcement sprang into action, tracking down a package filled with a large sum of money that was mailed to a seemingly unrelated address in Moorpark. The suspects had obtained the package as it was delivered, significantly amassing US currency intended for them as they fled. Nearby surveillance captured the suspect’s vehicle, aiding the investigation.
Continuing their streak of elder exploitation, the suspects were linked to a package scheduled to be delivered to Chatsworth, CA, to a vacant residence no less. The shipment contained yet another large sum of cash from another victim of their heartless scam. The authorities were tipped off by the prompt actions of the package delivery company, who reached out to the unsuspecting sender of the package.
According to a news release, Moorpark detectives, in a coordinated effort with the Moorpark Patrol, laid in wait on Reedley Street, home to a third exploited elderly individual from Florida who had sent a package bristling with cash, poised to be pinched by the proactive predators. The suspects swooped in to collect their illicit gains when law enforcement stepped in, arresting Jia and Wang.
The duo faces serious charges as outlined in the Penal Code, including grand theft, conspiracy to commit a crime, theft by pretenses, and identity theft from elder or dependent adults. They were booked into the Ventura Pre-Trial Detention Facility and are awaiting their day in court. A final piece of community wisdom follows from the Moorpark detectives who implore the public to safeguard their personal information and to be wary of sending cash or gift cards in response to dubious requests.
