Full Notification

DATE/TIME: July 18, 2014 / 1813

INCIDENT: PC 530.5 - Identity Theft; PC 496(a) - Poss. of Stolen Property

LOCATION: 28000 block of Carriage Hill Rd, Highland, CA

SUSPECT(S): Tomm Lanese, 49, a resident of Highland
Donald Savage, 33, a resident of Highland
Salvador Rodriguez, 35, a resident of Highland
VICTIM(S): Multiple victims from multiple California counties


SUMMARY: On July 18, 2014, deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, Highland Station, responded to a report of possible squatters at a vacant residence in the 28000 block of Carriage Hill Rd. At the location, deputies contacted Tomm Lanese, Donald Savage and a 16 year old female. Investigation revealed that the three parties had moved into the vacant home illegally. They attempted to use a forged rental document as proof of tenancy, but deputies learned the home was for sale and had never been rented to any of the parties. Savage, Lanese and the 16 year old female were all found to have active warrants and all were arrested.

During the investigation that followed, deputies searched the residence and uncovered indicia of large scale identity theft, credit card fraud and check forgery. Personal identifying information of an estimated 20 victims from multiple California locations ranging from Newport Beach to the Inland Empire to the Coachella Valley was discovered inside the home and in a vehicle belonging to the suspects that was later searched pursuant to a search warrant. Also located were forged identification cards, several credit card readers and magnetic imprinters, numerous forged checks and multiple computers used in the forgeries. Lanese and Savage were both booked on multiple felony charges related to identity theft and are being held at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino.

On July 19, 2014, as investigation into this matter continued, deputies contacted Rodriguez and recovered additional credit card readers and additional evidence linking him to the ongoing identity theft investigation. Rodriguez was arrested on multiple felony charges related to identity theft, and for violating parole. He is also being held at the Central Detention Center.

Deputies are continuing to attempt contact with victim's of these suspects and are working to determine how the suspects came to possess the personal identifying information, identification and account numbers of the various victims. Anyone with information on this matter is encouraged to contact Deputy Mike Madril or investigators at the Highland Sheriff's Station.

Refer: Sgt. James Porter
Station: Highland
Phone No.: (909) 425 9793
Case No.: 131402930