Fraud Suspect Charged With 68 Felonies

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — Between January 2016 and May 2017, approximately 35 vehicles were burglarized in Manhattan Beach, and the suspect targeted surfers who left their wallets and cell phones in their cars. After the burglary, the suspect would use the victims' credit cards at Target Stores throughout Los Angeles County. Similar crimes occurred in San Diego County, Orange County and Ventura County, according to the Manhattan Beach Police Department.

In July, Manhattan Beach Police detectives served a search warrant at a residence in Inglewood, locating stolen cell phones, identification cards, and credit cards. Through the ongoing investigation, Manhattan Beach Police detectives identified Kevin Lucas as one of the burglary suspects, learning that Lucas also committed several vehicle burglaries in San Diego County and had an arrest warrant issued for him. In June, Lucas was located and booked in San Diego County and charged with 68 felony counts of identity theft and other charges related to fraud, according to the Manhattan Beach Police Department.

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