RIDGECREST, Calif.–Quick thinking by the staff of one credit union here is being credited for the arrest of an alleged scammer.
The Ridgecrest Police Department said it was able to arrest a suspect allegedly attempting to fraudulently withdraw money from a Desert Valleys Federal Credit Union ATM. Arrested was Edward William Tone, 34, a Romanian national.
According to police, they were alerted to the presence of the suspect by observant Desert Valleys employees who recognized him from surveillance footage as he was in the act of withdrawing money from the credit union’s ATM, the Daily Independent reported. Upon arrival, RPD officers were able to detain the suspect while he was actively withdrawing money from the Desert Valleys’ ATM using forged bank cards, the reported added.
Police said Tone is believed to be part of a larger group who is not only responsible for the gas station skimmers but also ATM fraud that has been taking place in the local area, according to the Independent. Tone was allegedly found to be in possession of several forged bank cards, tools needed to open the gas station pumps for installing skimmers, and more than $2,300 suspected to have been obtained fraudulently, police said.
Tone has been charged with second degree burglary; forged access cards/fraudulent use of access card over $400; altering vehicle identification number; and possession of burglary tools. The first three charges are felonies.