Livermore Man Busted In Petaluma For Meth, Identity Theft: Police

PETALUMA, CA — Following the arrest of a suspected identity thief in Petaluma, police reminded community members to remain vigilant when it comes to protecting their personal and banking information. A Petaluma police officer on routine patrol Monday contacted Bradley Grasseschi, 27, of Livermore, in the Washington Square Plaza shopping center at 373 S. McDowell Blvd., police Sgt. Lance Novello said in a news release.

Grasseschi was in a car the officer thought looked suspicious, Novello said, and when the officer made contact with him, he was found to be on active probation out of Alameda County.

Officers proceeded to conduct a probation search of the car and found personal identifying information for at least 20 people, including one from Sonoma County, Novello said.

Officers also found suspected methamphetamine and equipment commonly used to fraudulently access financial accounts and manufacture counterfeit credit cards, the sergeant said.

"During a subsequent interview, it was learned he used Internet sites known for selling stolen credit-card numbers, accessing those accounts, cloning the information to counterfeit cards, and using the monies for personal gain," Novello said.

Grasseschi was arrested and booked into Sonoma County jail on suspicion of possessing personal information for more than 10 people with the intent to defraud, possession of counterfeiting equipment with the intent to defraud, and possession of a controlled substance.

Petaluma police are continuing their investigation, and have notified the lone Sonoma County victim.

According to Novello, investigators believe other potential victims are from around the country "due to the randomness of credit-card numbers."

"Petaluma PD reminds the community to remain diligent in routinely checking their accounts, keeping their personal identifying information secure (not in a vehicle), and using only trusted and verified websites when making online purchases," Novello said.