A Santa Maria resident who is a convicted felon was arrested for multiple identity theft crimes, forgery, possession of
stolen checks, and false impersonation charges.
On March 03, 2025, at approximately 3:00 P.M., patrol deputies assigned to the Fillmore Police Department were dispatched to
suspicious circumstances at the Bank of the Sierra in the city of Fillmore.
A customer identified as Arvan Washington III, was attempting to open a bank account and lines of credit using suspicious
and fraudulent personal identifying documents which prompted bankers to notify the police. Upon deputies’ arrival, it was
discovered that Washington attempted to foil bank representatives using a fraudulent driver license, social security
numbers, and impersonating himself as someone else. As the investigation quickly unfolded, it was discovered Washington had
a lengthy criminal history where he had previously been involved in identity theft related crimes throughout the Lompoc,
Ventura, and Santa Paula areas.
During the investigation, Fillmore patrol deputies obtained additional evidence including several fraudulent documents,
stolen checks, out of state fake driver licenses’, and personal identifying information of additional people. Washington was
placed under arrest for identity theft and several charges related to forgery crimes and was subsequently booked at the
Ventura County Pre-Trail Detention Facility.
It is believed Washington may be implicated in additional unsolved crimes related to identity theft. The Ventura County
Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence in providing
information to assist our agency in solving crimes. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships. If
anyone has additional information involving Washington or any other crimes, they are urged to contact the Fillmore Station
Detectives at the below listed numbers, their local law enforcement office, or the Fillmore Police Department at (805) 524-
2234.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Fillmore Police Department are committed to increasing and strengthening community
partnerships and utilizing technologies and evidence-based practices to enhance collaborative efforts at reducing crime and
improving public safety of all residents by continued community partnerships. Join us in the fight on crime by following us
on “X” @ VENTURASHERIFF, Facebook, Instagram @ VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local
law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would also like to remind citizens to be aware of loose mail placed in unlocked
mailboxes and theft of mail left in unlocked mailboxes for extended time periods. Please remember that Postal Inspectors
across the country work hard to protect your mail. But with deliveries to more than 100 million addresses, the Postal
Inspection Service can’t do the job alone. You can protect your mail from thieves by remembering to pick up your mail
promptly after delivery. Don’t leave it in your mailbox overnight. If you’re expecting checks, credit cards, or other
negotiable items, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your mail. This diligence will assist in the prevention of
becoming a victim of identity theft.
If you see or suspect a mail thief at work, or if you believe your mail was stolen, call police immediately 9-1-1, then call
Postal Inspectors at 877-876-2455 and (press 3) or visit the below listed website.
https://ehome.uspis.gov/mailtheft/idtheft.aspx
Prepared by: Detective Sergeant Jarrod Foote
News Release Date: March 06, 2025
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO
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Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
