Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On 3/18/14, members of the Thousand Oaks Police Investigations and Special Enforcement Units arrested 2 subjects for numerous felony counts related to identity theft, burglary and thefts from vehicles. A third female who was staying with the two suspects was also arrested for an outstanding felony warrant and possession of methamphetamine.

Over the past month and a half, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park and Westlake had a sharp increase in vehicle burglaries. Numerous victims had their personal information and credit cards stolen. The suspects then used that information to make thousands of dollars in fraudulent purchases at retail stores throughout the county.

After a month long investigation into the crime spree, investigators and members of the Directed Enforcement Bureau Bike Team were able to identify the suspects involved. They were Michael Rodriguez (age 44) and Nastaza Schmidt (age 25).

On 3/19/14, members of the Thousand Oaks Police Investigations and Special Enforcement Units located the suspects at a motel in Newbury Park. The suspects were found to be in possession of several pieces of evidence related to vehicle burglaries they committed in Agoura Hills just hours prior to the arrests. Additional evidence related to previous burglaries as well as methamphetamine were also located in their motel room.

Investigators believe these suspects are responsible for more than thirty (30) vehicle burglaries and thefts from vehicles in the city of Thousand Oaks alone. The Thousand Oaks Police Department is working closely with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and other neighboring agencies to link these suspects to other crimes in the area.

Burglaries of vehicles and thefts from unlocked cars continue to be a popular way to gain access to people’s personal information. The identity theft crimes associated with these burglaries are frequently committed before people even realize they are victims. Thousand Oaks Police want to remind the public how important it is to avoid leaving valuables in your vehicles and to make sure you lock your doors.

Nature of Incident: Arrests of Burglary and Identity Theft Suspects
Report Number: 14-3702
Location: Newbury Park
Date & Time: 3/18/14 0630
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Investigations / Thousand Oaks Special Enforcement Unit
Prepared by: Sgt. Jason Robarts #2948
Media Release Date: 3/20/14
Follow-Up Contact: Sgt. Jason Robarts #2948
Approved by: Captain Mike Hartmann

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).