PASO ROBLES, Calif. - Deputies have arrested a missing parolee in Paso Robles for fraud and other charges and believe there may be many local victims.
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Narcotics Task Force recently received information that a missing parolee - Richard Sams of Los Osos - was using fake credit cards in the local area. Authorities located him at the Farmhouse Hotel in Paso Robles on Monday on the 400 block of Spring Street.
Officials say they found a lot of items that are commonly used to create fake credit cards and counterfeit checks in his hotel room - including printers, label makers, gift cards, and blank checks. They say based on the number of social security numbers and bank account numbers found, they think there may be a large number of local victims in this case.
Investigators also found marijuana, illegal prescription drugs, and drug paraphernalia. Sams was arrested and booked into San Luis Obispo County Jail.
The Sheriff's Office urges residents to keep an eye on their bank statements, and if they notice any discrepancies or think their personal identification has been compromised, they say they should contact their local law enforcement agency.
