Antioch Trio Suspected In Alleged Nationwide Identity Theft Scheme

SONOMA COUNTY, CA -- Petaluma police arrested three people suspected of identity theft after a traffic stop Friday revealed they allegedly possessed personal information belonging to hundreds of people from around the country.

The suspects, Brittany Spears, 19, Ralph Spears, 21, and Carolyn Sims, 64, all of Antioch, were pulled over for a traffic violation on Browns Lane near Lakeville Highway at about 6:15 a.m.

The driver, Ralph Spears, was allegedly unlicensed, as were Brittany Spears and Sims, according to Petaluma police officials.

A search of the vehicle allegedly turned up other people's personal information, including Social Security, credit card, driver's license, bank routing and checking account numbers.

Officers also allegedly found mortgage accounts and balances, employment information and drugs, according to police.

Investigators learned that Brittany Spears -- who is not to be confused with the famous pop star Britney Spears -- was allegedly fired months ago from a point-of-sale business in Walnut Creek from which she misappropriated customers' personal information in order to commit fraud, police said.

Victims of this alleged scheme are from all over the United States and most are unaware that their information may have been abused.

All three suspects were arrested on suspicion of identity theft, possession of other people's driver's licenses, possession of a controlled substance and possession of prescription medication without a prescription,
according to police.

The Walnut Creek Police Department is also involved in the investigation.

By Bay City News Service

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