TEMECULA: Two arrested for mail theft, fraud, narcotics, other charges

TEMECULA – Deputies assigned to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Temecula Police Department’s Problem Oriented Policing team arrested two people for a variety of charges, Thursday, May 12. The deputies were on proactive patrol and contacted two individuals who were exiting a vehicle in the 41000 block of Moreno Rd, according to Riverside Sheriff’s Sergeant Chris Gaskins.

Following their investigation deputies arrested the two subjects, who were identified as 25-year-old Jacob Michael Bertino and 29-year-old Ashley Rose Lawrence, The pair was later booked into jail for a total 16 felonies and four misdemeanors related to identity theft, possession of stolen property, possession of methamphetamine, false impersonation and many other charges.

After deputies made contact with Bertino and Lawrence, they conducted a records check and learned that Bertino was on parole from the California Department of Corrections. Deputies searched the vehicle in accordance with Bertino’s search terms.

“During their search, deputies found an extensive amount of stolen mail, credit cards, personal checks, ATM cards, items used in fraud, California Identification and Driver’s License cards, and methamphetamine,” Gaskins explained. “Deputies will be contacting victims as the investigation unfolds.”

Based on their findings, deputies arrested Bertino and Lawrence. The two were later booked into the Southwest Detention Center.

A jail records search revealed Bertino was booked for suspicion of committing a felony while out on bail or early release, possession of stolen property, obtaining personal information with intent to commit fraud, using personal information from another person, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, prior state prison enhancements and other charges.

Bertino is being held in lieu of $115,000 bail. He is scheduled for arraignment on May 17, at the Riverside Hall of Justice.

Lawrence was booked for suspicion of committing a felony while out on bail or early release and multiple counts of obtaining personal information with intent to commit fraud.

Lawrence was released from jail on May 16, after posting $45,000 bail. She is scheduled to be arraigned on May 17, at the Riverside Hall of Justice.

Gaskins took the opportunity to encourage residents, and business owners to partner with the department to help prevent crimes of theft by reducing the opportunity. “There are certain practices and behaviors that are deterrents to many crimes of opportunity,” according to Gaskins.

• Please remember to securely lock doors and windows to homes and vehicles to prevent easy access by unauthorized persons.
• Consider installing motion-detector lighting systems for the exterior of homes and businesses.
• Do not leave keys, purses, wallets, or other valuables exposed in unoccupied or parked vehicles.
• Report suspicious persons and vehicles you observe in your neighborhood.
• Handle your personal and financial information and/or documents with security in mind.
• Report any crimes to the police department as soon as you reasonably can.

“The Temecula Police Department is dedicated to maintaining a high quality of life and encourages citizens to report any suspicious activity they observe,” Gaskins said.

Anyone with questions or information about this investigation is encouraged to contact Deputy Orlando Vigil of the Temecula Police Department at (951) 696-3000. Callers can refer to incident file number TE161330125 and can remain anonymous. Citizens may also submit a tip using the Sheriff’s CrimeTips online form.

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