Lake Elsinore ID Thief Sentenced Following Launch Pointe Scheme

MURRIETA, CA — A 37-year-old convicted felon who stole a Lake Elsinore resident's identity to make purchases at an RV resort pleaded guilty Wednesday to identity theft and was immediately sentenced to three years felony probation.

Ricardo Campos admitted the charge under a plea agreement with the Riverside County District Attorney's Office, and in exchange for his admission, three related misdemeanor charges were dropped.

Riverside County Superior Court Judge Stephen Gallon certified the terms of the plea deal and imposed the sentence stipulated by the prosecution and defense. Gallon additionally ordered Campos to serve six months in a sheriff's work release program, during which time he'll need to be employed or go to school.

The defendant was arrested following a sheriff's investigation at the Launch Pointe RV Resort on Riverside Drive in Lake Elsinore.

Deputies were called to the resort on Aug. 17 after being notified by the victim that someone had used his name and credit information to pay for services. Deputies confirmed that Campos was the perpetrator, and he was taken into custody without incident on-site, according to sheriff's Sgt. Ray Ricken, who said a "credit card making machine" and an undisclosed quantity of methamphetamine were in the defendant's possession.

It was unclear how Campos had obtained the victim's information.

According to court records, he has prior convictions for receiving stolen property and burglary.

— By City News Service