Couple Accused of Posing as Cops to Rob Laborers

A couple who posed as police officers and targeted Latino dayworkers in 30 or more robberies were arrested over the weekend at a Stanton restaurant, sheriff’s officials said Monday.

Deputies said they found cash, a loaded weapon, wigs and police paraphernalia that included a fake badge and T-shirt with “Police” on it when they arrested David Gilmore Bingham, 27, and Amber Michelle Vanhorn, 33, both of Stanton.

Authorities said the two had committed at least 30 robberies in two months while preying on victims whose immigration status and limited English may have prevented them from notifying police.

“We believe they committed more robberies and we’re still looking into that,” said Assistant Sheriff George Jaramillo. “We’re especially interested when crimes like this happen because these are the most preyed-upon people and the ones who are most afraid of going to police for help.”

According to investigators, Bingham and Vanhorn staked out gathering places for day laborers in San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Laguna Hills and Mission Viejo. The pair also allegedly drove to work sites where they found Latino gardeners and construction workers.

“They would cruise these areas looking for possible victims,” said sheriff’s spokesman Jim Amormino. “They would come up on a victim and tap him on the shoulder, identify themselves as police, then pat down the victims and rob them.”

When the victims figured out what was up, the pair threatened them with a gun, he said. Typically, day laborers carry cash to cover all expenses, from food to cars.

Victims said the female robber’s Spanish was very good, but they had difficulty understanding the male, investigators said.

“One time the man walked up behind a guy and said something in Spanish and the guy didn’t even understand it,” Amormino said.

The suspects netted various amounts, from $1 to as much as $300, investigators said, adding that they did not have a total yet.

Bingham had a loaded .25-caliber semiautomatic handgun when arrested, investigators said. He also had a plastic replica of a gun that allegedly was used by Vanhorn during the robberies, Amormino said. The two were captured based on a license plate number and victims’ description of the robbers’ vehicle.

Investigators said they found methamphetamines, marijuana and Mexican currency, which the pair apparently kept as souvenirs of the robberies, in the couple’s motel room. Deputies also said they found wigs in various colors, presumably for disguise during robberies.

Bingham and Vanhorn face charges on nine counts of robbery, impersonating a police officer, illegal possession of a handgun and possession of a controlled substance.

Bingham was in jail on a no-bail hold, sheriff’s officials said, and Vanhorn was jailed with bail set at $100,000.

Authorities believe there are more victims and ask anyone who was a victim or knows of one to call the sheriff’s watch commander at (714) 628-7170.