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Apartment Freeloaders Now Guests Of County

khts_crimeA couple who called Valencia home has now moved into government housing after being arrested for identity theft. The prior tenants of the Town Center Apartments were turned in after their landlord called the sheriff about a check written on a fraudulent checking account and the entire scam began unraveling.

 

 

Rodney Higgs, 42 and Shonte Johnston, 39, are behind bars on suspicion of identity theft and grand theft, and their adult son, Diamonique Reyes, 20, is also in custody for interfering with the arrest and investigation.

The arrests came after a lengthy investigation, in which it was discovered that the couple provide false documentation, fail to pay their rent, and fight being evicted and have played this scam over and over again.  They have victimized at least three Valencia apartment complexes and have been residing here rent free for the past four years.  Their three children attend local schools.

The scam has been working well, but this time they got caught.  After deputies met with the apartment manager, the investigation revealed that a Social Security number used belonged to another person.  Several names which have been used were uncovered and it became apparent that this couple had scammed this complex in the past, under different names.

When the three adults were taken into custody, their 18-year old child had already left for school. Two other minor children, ages 15 and 13, were taken into protective custody.

Higgs is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail and Johnston is being held in lieu of $20,000 bail.  Both are currently being held at Santa Clarita Valley Station.  Reyes is being held pending positive identification.  The minor children were released to the Department of Children and Family Services.

Detectives believe this scam has been used on other unsuspecting apartment complexes in the area.  Rodney Higgs is known to have used the following names in the past: Cameron Davis, Branden Higgs, Amaurie Johnston, and Branden Trevon.  Shonte Johnston is known to have used the name Shonte Higgs in the past.

Detectives are actively seeking additional victim properties.  If you believe the property you represent has been victimized by this couple, please contact Detective Nale at (661) 799-5137 or (661) 255-1121.

 

Apartment Freeloaders Now Guests Of County

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