Friday, Mar. 08, 2013

Police say men were running scam from van

Two men arrested on stolen property charges last week were believed to be running a receipt scam, police said.

Officer Alfonso Flores responded to the 1400 Block of West Pacheco Boulevard at 7:40 p.m. March 1 after receiving a report of a suspicious black van.

Flores stopped the van for driving without headlights and placed the driver under arrest for providing a false name. Joshua Stone, 29, of Citrus Heights, was also wanted for a parole violation.

Police said methamphetamine and several stolen electronic devices were found inside the van. Evidence was also found suggesting false store receipts were printed using a laptop computer, police said.

Witnesses reported seeing another man with Stone shortly before Flores arrived. The second man, William Matney, 39, of Lodi, was approached a short distance from the van and identified by witnesses, police said. Matney was placed under arrest on suspicion of providing a false name, possession of stolen property and violation of parole. Matney and Stone are being held without bail at the John Latorraca Correctional Facility.

"We recovered approximately $1,600 in stolen merchandise from their vehicle and evidence to suggest these men have been doing the same thing in other cities. We have contacted the law enforcement agencies in those areas to share what we have learned," Cmdr. Ray Reyna Jr. said.