Man uses ID theft to start party business, police say

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno police made a big identity theft bust in the county Thursday. Officers recovered more than $145,000 worth of goods bought with other people's money.

Police tracked the items to a home in Riverdale. They found bounce houses, cooking grills and popcorn machines.

Investigators say the suspect, Juan Ramirez, stole identities and used the information to take out loans to buy the items and start his own party business.

"The victims of id theft are not responsible for these purchases," said financial crimes unity detective David Passmore. " So, the loan companies that actually bought the products for him will end up being the true victims."

Police say Ramirez took out loans from five different finance companies to purchase the goods found inside the home.

Police arrested Ramirez in Fresno in September. They followed the evidence in the case to Riverdale, where the suspect was living with his wife.

Ramirez faces multiple counts of ID theft and grand theft.