NEW ROCHELLE, NY (March 31, 2023) — Two women and a man were charged with a series of charges after staff at a local dealership became suspicious and called police.
Police narrative: On March 30th, 2023, at about 4:30 pm, 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. 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.
Arrests & Charges:
Victoria K. Mendez, 34,, of Astoria, NY.
- Grand Larceny 2, a D Felony
- Conspiracy – 4, an E Felony
- Possession of a Forged Instrument – 2, a D felony
- Identity Theft – 2, an E Felony
Sherinne Pelaez-Zencovich, 24, of Quebec, Canada.
- Grand Larceny 2, a D Felony
- Conspiracy – 4, an E Felony
- Possession of a Forged Instrument – 2, a D felony
- Identity Theft – 2, an E Felony
Luis Ortega Perez, 25, of Jackson Heights, NY
- Conspiracy – 4, an E Felony
- Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance – 7, an A Misdemeanor