North Bay sheriff arrests couple for identity thefts, fraud

(KRON) -- A months-long investigation into several reports of identity theft, fraud and mail theft across southern Marin County led deputies to arrest a couple in a Vallejo hotel Monday, according to the Marin County Sheriff's Office.

The investigation into the identity thefts and fraud began in September, the sheriff’s office said. Deputies were able to identify Travis Penaluna as the suspect in several of the cases. Penaluna allegedly secured a loan using the name of an identity theft victim and purchased a vehicle that was used in future crimes. Penaluna’s girlfriend, Christina Taylor, was also identified as assisting him with the crimes, authorities said.

On Monday, detectives and U.S. Marshals located the couple at a hotel in Vallejo. A search of their room uncovered items related to identity theft, fraud and forgery, MCSO said. Authorities said stolen mail, checks, identity items, black check stock and card printers were located along with a loaded, unregistered firearm and narcotics.

Penaluna was arrested and booked into the Marin County Jail for:

• Possession of stolen property
• Burglary
• Possession of a controlled substance while armed
• Felon in possession of a firearm
• Felon is possession of ammunition
• Making fictitious checks
• Grand theft auto
• Obtaining credit with another’s ID
• Carrying a loaded firearm
• Possession of burglary tools
• Conspiracy to commit a crime

Taylor was arrested and booked into the Marin County Jail for:

• Possession of stolen property
• Burglary
• Obtaining credit with another’s ID
• Possession of narcotics paraphernalia
• Possession of a switchblade
• Conspiracy to commit a crime

Penaluna was previously convicted of similar federal crimes and had a federal warrant for his arrest after escaping from a rehabilitation program, the sheriff’s office said. Taylor was out of California prison on parole and had a parolee at large warrant for her arrest.