Off-Duty Cop Discovers ID Theft Ring Following Traffic Stop: Police

The keen actions of an off-duty Mahwah police officer resulted in authorities discovering an identity theft and fraud ring, authorities said.

Officer David Vega saw a vehicle driving erratically on Interstate 287 North and then Route 17 South at about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, said Chief James Batelli.

The driver stopped at Bolla Market and police searched the vehicle, Batelli said.

Police found identity theft, check fraud and credit card fraud materials in the vehicle, including checks with companies names and account numbers on them, about 170 blank checks and $1,180, Batelli said. Police seized all of the items.

The vehicle occupants were Dane Duncan, 20, of Brooklyn, New York and Christian Riera, 29, of Springfield Gardens, New York, the chief said.

Batelli said Riera attempted to destroy evidence by tearing up checks and throwing them in the garbage.

Police determined the men were staying at the Courtyard Marriott on Route 17 South with Darren Thomas of Brooklyn, New York; police went to speak with Thomas at the hotel, who consented to his room being searched, Batelli said. Police found electronic devices and a printer used to manufacture fraudulent checks and $4,800, which was all seized, he said.

Detective Michael Grassi is investigating the case. Batelli said police believe people involved in the scheme created bogus check, deposited them into a bank and then used an ATM card to withdraw the money before the checks could be flagged as fake by the bank.

Grassi reminds residents to routinely check their account balances and expenses for any potentially fraudulent activity.

Duncan, Riera and Thomas were each charged with trafficking in personal identifying information, possession of forgery devices, forgery and credit card theft.

Duncan and Riera were also charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia after police said they found marijuana in the vehicle the men were in.

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Photos, from left: Darren Thomas, 21, Christian Riera, 29, and Dane Duncan, 20/Mahwah Police Department