On September 3, 2013, Moorpark Police Department patrol deputies responded to a local pizza restaurant to a call of an identity theft. During their investigation, it was learned that the owner of the pizza restaurant received a complaint that a pizza delivery person, Jonathan Rutherford, inappropriately wrote down the credit card number from a patron during the delivery of pizza. At the time of the incident, there was no evidence the credit card number was used.

Very shortly after the first incident was reported, the owner received a complaint from another patron that their credit card was compromised shortly after purchasing pizza from the restaurant. After the information was revealed to the owner, he conducted a brief internal investigation and discovered Rutherford was involved in the second victim’s transaction. The owner immediately terminated Rutherford’s employment with the restaurant and called police to report the incident.

Members of the Moorpark Police Department Investigations Unit took over the investigation. Detectives wrote search warrants and eventually obtained evidence that showed Rutherford used both victims’ stolen credit card information to purchase gift cards from Starbucks before converting the gift cards into cash. Detectives obtained enough evidence to arrest Rutherford for two counts of identity theft.

On October 25, 2013, detectives arrested Rutherford for the identity theft. Further investigation revealed Rutherford was in possession of additional stolen credit cards and personal information from other victims, believed to have been obtained during his employment as a pizza delivery person. The detectives also learned Rutherford used this stolen credit card information to purchase gift cards from Starbucks. Detectives believe some of those people may not be aware that they were victims of an identity theft. Detectives encourage anyone whose credit cards were compromised after purchasing pizza in Moorpark in August and September to call the Moorpark Police Department at 805-532-2700.

Nature of Incident: Identity Theft Arrest
Report Number: 13-19838
Location: City of Moorpark
Date & Time: 10-25-2013 / 1345 hours
Unit(s) Responsible: Moorpark Police Department Investigations Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) Rutherford, Jonathan Thousand Oaks 28
Prepared by: Sergeant Eric Tennessen
Media Release Date: October 29th, 2013
Follow-Up Contact: Senior Deputy Kevin Lynch, 805-532-2714
Approved by: Captain Stephen Wade

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).