3 Men Arrested in Counterfeiting Case

Sheriff’s deputies arrested three men at a Cowan Heights home Thursday on suspicion of counterfeiting money, authorities said.

According to Sheriff Michael Carona, the three suspects apparently broke into a house on Quail Run that was in escrow and changed the locks. After the house had been sold, the new owner came by Wednesday and, finding the locks changed, alerted deputies.

Authorities searched the house, finding counterfeit money and documents, stolen computer equipment, cell phones and credit cards. They also found marijuana and methamphetamine.

Angelo Carter Barsotti, 27, of Mission Viejo, Aaron James Bennett, 19, of Santa Ana and Mathew Taylor Navelski, 19, of Tustin were arrested on suspicion of burglary, possession of stolen property, possession of drugs and counterfeiting. One of the suspects also had three outstanding warrants. All were taken to Orange County Jail.

Carona said there have been a series of incidents in Orange County in which suspects have trespassed and used empty, upscale homes for criminal activity.