Public helps Crime Stoppers identify fraud suspect
(Photo: Courtesy photo)
LAS CRUCES - The man suspected of using a stolen bank card several times over a two-day period last September has been identified thanks, in part, to more than 90 tips from area residents who positively identified him via Crime Stoppers, according to the Las Cruces Police Department.
Matthew B. Guerra, 19, of the 5100 block of Sioux Trail in unincorporated Doña Ana County, is charged with one count each of fraudulently signing of a credit card or sales slip, fraudulent use of a credit card and possession of a stolen credit card, LCPD stated in a news release.
Guerra, however, has not been arrested, police said.
On Dec. 11, 2015, Las Cruces Crime Stoppers asked for the public’s help in identifying the man who, on Sept. 9, purchased food at Dairy Queen, 2601 N. Main St., using a credit card that had been reported stolen. A surveillance camera at the restaurant captured photos of the suspect at the drive-thru.
Within a few days of the request for help, the release stated, Crime Stoppers received 93 anonymous tips that identified Guerra directly by name or family relation. A Las Cruces police detective conducted further investigation into the allegations, which confirmed Guerra’s involvement.
Police said the bank card was stolen Sept. 9 when the victim's car was burglarized. The card was then used Sept. 9 at two McDonald’s restaurants, Taco Bell restaurant and Dairy Queen. The following day, the card was again used at a Wendy’s restaurant, Taco Bell and McDonald’s, police said.
A total of $162.69 in fraudulent charges were made using the card in the two-day spree, according to police. There was no indication that employees at any of the restaurants asked for identification to verify the card’s ownership.
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