TEMPE, AZ – A shocking case of identity theft has come to light after 29-year-old Luis Carlos Rivero Martines was charged with felony forgery and aggravated identity theft. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office alleges that Martines stole the identity of a man who had been incarcerated in Idaho to secure employment and defraud the government.
The victim, who had recently been released from prison, applied for government assistance but found his application flagged due to apparent discrepancies in his employment history. According to Tempe Police Sergeant Brian Kidd, the victim discovered that Martines had been using his identity to obtain jobs.
Investigators uncovered that Martines had purchased fraudulent identification documents, including a driver’s license and Social Security card, in the victim’s name. These documents enabled him to work at various jobs across the Valley for several months. Authorities claim that Martines worked at least 20 different positions and earned more than $94,000 in the process.
The victim, who requested to remain anonymous, expressed frustration at the fallout from the theft. “Last year he made over $94,000. And as it is right now, the IRS is asking me for around 15-20 thousand,” he explained in an interview.
Sgt. Kidd, who specializes in fraud and financial crimes, reviewed the evidence and quickly recognized the fraudulent nature of the employment records. He emphasized that identity theft is a persistent problem, particularly for incarcerated individuals who are unable to monitor their financial situation effectively.
Experts suggest that individuals facing incarceration take proactive measures to protect their identity, such as freezing credit reports or asking loved ones to monitor their accounts. Sgt. Kidd also recommended that people regularly check their bank accounts and update passwords to prevent fraud.
Martines is now facing charges, and the investigation is ongoing. This case serves as a stark reminder of the growing issue of identity theft and the importance of safeguarding personal information.
