Nature of Incident: Identity Theft / Forgery Suspect Arrested
Report Number: 17-107072
Location: Ventura and Los Angeles County
Date & Time: February 2017 - July 2017
Unit Responsible: East County Financial Crimes Unit
(S)uspect City of Residence Age
Cedric Frierson Malibu 42
Narrative: A suspect who eluded capture in several states on identity theft and check fraud has been arrested by Ventura County and Los Angeles County Deputies for committing similar offenses locally.
On April 24, 2017, Thousand Oaks patrol deputies responded to DCH Ford in Thousand Oaks reference a report of a forgery and unlawful taking of a vehicle. The dealership reported the suspect provided three separate counterfeit checks in the amount of $12,000.00 for the down payment. The suspect took possession of a 2014 Toyota 4-Runner with a value of more than $41,000.00. The reporting deputy learned the suspect had identified himself as Cedric Yearwood.
During a four month investigation, Financial Crimes Detectives at the East County Investigations Bureau discovered the suspects true identity was Cedric Frierson. Detective’s learned Frierson had used several other aliases to commit his crimes, including Cedric Yearwood, Thomas Yearwood, Thomas Isaacs, and Robert Graham.
The investigation uncovered additional crime reports from several businesses where Frierson had passed counterfeit cashier’s checks in Los Angeles County and Ventura County, including three car dealerships. Detectives determined Frierson had developed a sophisticated con-man persona, along with a fraudulent real estate company, TVD Properties or The Valley Discount Properties, and website as part of his con.
On June 19, 2017, Frierson was arrested by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office for charges related to the initial investigation with DCH Ford and a warrant. Counterfeit cashier’s checks were located in Frierson’s possession at the time of arrest. Frierson was booked at the Ventura County Main Jail.
On June 23, 2017, Frierson posted bail with a local bail bond company and was released. The bail bond company determined a counterfeit cashier’s check was used to post bail and Frierson was re-arrested. Frierson remains in custody at the Ventura County Mail Jail in lieu of $1,400,000 bail and a fugitive warrant out of Florida.
If anyone has additional information on Cedric Frierson, please contact Detective Paul Ferruzza (805) 494-8231
With the continued advances in technology, the opportunity and sophistication of criminals to manufacture and counterfeit financial instruments and bank cards has increased significantly. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office recommends taking extra precautions to ensure any forms of payment for goods and services are validated at the time of transaction.
Prepared by: Detective Paul Ferruzza
Media Release Date: September 13, 2017
Media Follow-Up Contact: Detective Timothy Lohman (805) 947-8255 [email protected]
Approved by: Captain Bill Schierman
