Three Charged with 655 Counts of Identity Theft in Pennsylvania

Three individuals—Francisco Rodriguez-Ayala, Melissa Ramos, and Giovanni Guridy—have been charged in a significant identity theft and forgery scheme in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, affecting over 130 victims across the United States. Authorities seized evidence during a police raid on August 30, 2024, at a residence linked to the suspects in a federally subsidized housing area, uncovering more than $275,000 in forged checks, counterfeit identities, and personal documents. Investigators found materials used for forgery, including laptops, a digital scanner, and blank check paper, leading to 655 criminal charges against each suspect. First Assistant District Attorney Robert Eyer indicated that many victims were unaware of their victimization until the investigation revealed the fraud. The case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in tracking identity theft, as some initial victims were mistakenly treated as suspects. The suspects are currently held in Northampton County Prison, awaiting preliminary hearings that will determine if the case proceeds to trial.