Feds stay out of ID theft case
55 arrested for Social Security fraud suspicion
By Brian Charles
Signal Staff Writer
bcharles@the-signal.com
661-259-1234 x517
Posted: Feb. 15, 2009 1:02 a.m.
Updated: Feb. 15, 2009 4:59 a.m.
Federal law enforcement turned a deaf ear to sheriff's Sgt. James Anderson's pleas for help in an identity theft investigation, but that didn't stop deputies from arresting 55 people for suspected Social Security fraud.
Deputies executed a search warrant at L&M Optical West in Valencia Feb. 5 after residents tipped off deputies about employees using stolen Social Security numbers to secure work at the company.
The tips from identity theft victims prompted a three-month investigation, Lt. Brenda Cambra said.
Santa Clarita Valley sheriff's deputies worked late into the night Feb. 5 booking all 55 suspects, she said.
....The Social Security Administration volunteered tips to residents whose Social Security numbers were stolen, but they wouldn't help local law enforcement, Anderson said.
...."They didn't tell me why except that the Social Security Office of Inspector General handles those crimes and wasn't willing to help," he said.
...Anderson's calls for help didn't stop with Social Security Administration. He also contacted the IRS searching for help, but the agency said it doesn't seek criminal prosecutions against Social Security cheats.
"The IRS doesn't deal with stolen Social Security numbers. That responsibility belongs to the Social Security Administration," IRS spokesman Victor Omelczenko said. (Full text at www.the-signal.com)
Sounds so familiar in government. It's not my job - it's his. Or, you found the mess - you clean it up.
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