Probe Leads to Arrest of Forgery Suspect
- Share via
Wrapping up a three-month investigation, Oxnard police detectives and Immigration and Naturalization Service agents arrested a man they believe is responsible for forging hundreds of false identification cards sold to illegal immigrants.
Carlos Madriaga, 39, was arrested Thursday at his home in the 1100 block of Ventura Road in Oxnard on suspicion of forging government documents, said Det. Jim Seitz of the Oxnard Police Department.
Investigators recovered more than 800 sets of false immigration cards, Social Security cards, birth certificates and Department of Motor Vehicle documents, Seitz said.
The cards can sell for $40 to $80 per set, he said. Officials believe that Madriaga was selling 10 to 20 sets a week, Seitz said. Many of the sales were made outside the area through a mail-order operation set up in Madriaga’s home, officials alleged.
The investigation was prompted by an anonymous tip, authorities said. Police and other investigators spent weeks watching the residence.
Madriaga is in Ventura County Jail on suspicion of forgery. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison or a fine of up to $75,000, officials said. Also arrested with Madriaga was his girlfriend, Natividad Rodriguez, 33, who was arrested on suspicion of possession of a false immigration card.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
More From the Los Angeles Times
Podcasts
John Orr was a renowned fire investigator who was also a prolific arsonist, and whose thinly veiled novel helped to convict him. In this episode we hear from the fire captain who first suspected him—and from Orr himself.
Madison McGhee is joined by legendary Dateline host Josh Mankiewicz and esteemed L.A. Times Reporter Richard Winton as the three of them dive into all-things Menendez Brothers, the good, the bad, and the still unknown.
NPR climate editor Sadie Babits talks about why the media has long overlooked the climate crisis, and how that’s starting to change.
