On March 30th, 2023, at about 4:30pm, New Rochelle Detectives were alerted by staff at New Rochelle Toyota that a possible fraudulent purchase of a vehicle was in progress at the dealership. Detectives responded and found three suspects on scene, two of whom were unlawfully using names and social security numbers of real persons from Pennsylvania and Iowa to fraudulently obtain a car loan for over $100,000.00. Detectives were able to contact the victims from Pennsylvania and Iowa and confirmed they were unsuspecting victims of identity theft. All three suspects were placed under arrest at the scene.

ARRESTED:

Victoria K. Mendez, 34 years of age, of Astoria, NY.

Sherinne Pelaez-Zencovich, 24 years of age, of Quebec, Canada.

CHARGES:

NYS Penal Law Section 155.40 Grand Larceny 2nd degree – D Felony

NYS Penal Law Section 105.10 Conspiracy 4th Degree – E Felony

NYS Penal Law Section 170.25 Possession of a Forged Instrument 2nd Degree – D felony

NYS Penal Law Section 190.79 Identity Theft 2nd Degree – E Felony

ADDITIONAL ARREST:

Luis Ortega Perez, 25 years of age, of Jackson Heights, NY, was arrested and charged with

NYS Penal Law Section 105.10 Conspiracy 4

th degree – E Felony

NYS Penal Law Section 22.03 – Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th degree – A Misdemeanor