Ruben Chavez III, 36, of Merced, was arrested Friday after a federal grand jury indicted him the day before for credit card fraud and related identity theft.
According to court documents, from April 2021 to March 2022, Chavez obtained the victims’ credit cards and used them to make more than $60,000 in fraudulent purchases. He also allegedly changed victims’ mailing addresses to his own address and created fake ID cards in their names to help pursue his fraud.
If found guilty, Chavez faces two to ten years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton is prosecuting the case.
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Fresno men charged in illegal possession of firearms cases
The federal grand jury also returned indictments on Thursday against Mike Marty Hernandez, 26, and Julio Cesar Lopez, 33, in separate cases involving alleged illegal possession of firearms, U.S. Attorney Phillip announced. A. Talbert in a press release.
Both defendants are from Fresno.
Hernandez was arrested on May 23 after law enforcement officers observed him in possession of a loaded 9mm handgun fitted with a high-capacity magazine. In 2019, Hernandez was found guilty of threatening a public official. He is prohibited from having a firearm, according to court documents.
Prosecutors say Lopez had a loaded 45-caliber semi-automatic with a 13-round magazine with him on May 17. A subsequent search of Lopez’s residence resulted in the recovery of a sawed-off shotgun and approximately 50 rounds of ammunition. Lopez has previous convictions for burglary, escape from a peace officer and firearms offences.
Hernandez and Lopez face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Assistant United States Attorney Antonio J. Pataca is prosecuting these cases.
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