Man suspected of fraud at Laguna, Dana Point, Costa Mesa hotels
A man has been arrested on suspicion of using fraudulent credit card information at hotels and resorts in Laguna Beach, Costa Mesa and Dana Point.
Harold Eric Larson, 36, of Orange was arrested April 12 at the Costa Mesa Marriott, where detectives seized documents, hotel booking information and $32,000 worth of cashier’s checks from 39 different accounts.
Larson is facing charges of burglary, identity theft, grand theft and credit card fraud, said Laguna Beach police Sgt. Robert Rahaeuser.
According to court records, Larson pleaded not guilty Monday to 20 felony counts.
Laguna police first got a tip March 2 that Larson was committing fraud at a Laguna resort.
Between Feb. 15 and April 12, Larson is suspected of using fraudulent information at six Costa Mesa hotels, four in Laguna and one in Dana Point, according to police.
Rahaeuser said it was common for Larson to give his hotel room to someone else before the end of his stay and move on to another hotel.
Police do not know how Larson obtained the fraudulent information, but the investigation is ongoing, Rahaeuser said.
Larson has a preliminary hearing scheduled for April 24.
Twitter: @joannaclay
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