Check Forgery/Counterfeiting Ring Busted
Ventura County Sheriff's Department
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

At about 1200 hours on 05/16/2012, staff members from a local motel staff found what they believed to be evidence of check forgery being conducted in one of the rooms at the hotel. Hotel staff reported their findings to the Camarillo Police Department. Responding deputies and investigators found the four suspects listed and detained them. The investigation revealed the four suspects were involved in counterfeiting checks, possession of stolen checks, check forgery, identity theft, and controlled substance abuse. The deputies and investigators found evidence of the crimes in two of the motel rooms, and in two vehicles left parked at the motel. All four suspects were arrested for theft, forgery, identity theft, and drug related charges.

Nature of Incident: Check Forgery/Counterfeiting Ring Arrests
RB#: 12-10978 [RB#]
Location: 900 Block W. Ventura Boulevard, Camarillo
Date & Time: 05/16/2012 @ 2:20 PM
Unit Responsible: Camarillo Patrol and Investigations Units
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) Melandre Tavanlar, Woodland Hills, 38
(S) Michael Camacho, Los Angeles, 24
(S) Kimberly Mejia, Los Angeles, 21
(S) Percilla Gomez, Los Angeles, 22
Deputy Preparing Media Release: Senior Deputy John McGrath, Detective
Media Release Date: May 17, 2012
Follow-Up Contact: Senior Deputy Greg Gibson, Detective - (805-388-5116)
Approved by: Bruce Macedo, Captain