Man Held in Alleged Door-to-Door Fraud

Police have arrested a man suspected of going door-to-door in neighborhoods from the west end of Ventura to midtown, asking for money with a false story about needing medication for his terminally ill child.

Kevin Jepsen, 28, of Ventura was found in the Ventura Avenue area, where he was arrested Wednesday night on suspicion of theft and being under the influence of narcotics.

After Officer Terri Vujea put out an alert with a description of the suspect, a police officer thought it fit Jepsen and passed his name to Vujea. She ran Jepsen through police files, then put together a photo lineup from which some victims identified him.

Vujea said at least 20 people have come forward claiming Jepsen took money and in some cases stole household items. She said she suspects more than $400 was collected during the last few months.

Vujea encourages anyone who may have had money or items taken to call her at 648-8144.

Police recommend that residents tell people who stop by houses asking for cash to contact such agencies as the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities or the welfare office.