Crime & Safety

Two Locals Arrested in Suspected ID Theft Ring

Novato police arrest four in a hotel room they said was full of equipment being used for identity theft.

Two local residents were arrested as part of a suspected identity ring operating out of the Days Inn hotel in Novato Friday night.

Novato police said they uncovered the ring at about 8 p.m. Friday on a probation search of the hotel at 8141 Redwood Blvd, finding a slew of equipment associated with identity theft, including multiple computers, printers and equipment used to make credit cards, checks, currency and drivers licenses.

Police said they also found mail from people throughout Marin County and an undisclosed quantity of a substance believed to be methamphetamine.

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Police arrested Cerina V. Lazio 23, of San Rafael; Renee G. Perry-Charleson, 42, of Santa Venetia; John P. Hoffman, 34, of Mill Valley; and William D. Charleson, 44, of Novato;  in connection with the case. The investigation is ongoing.

Police said they did not know the relationship between the four people aside from their suspected involvement in an identity ring.

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