LOWNDES COUNTY, Ga. — Three men were arrested during a traffic stop after deputies found more than 200 stolen checks totaling over $300,000 from numerous identity theft victims.
On Monday, deputies assigned to the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office Interstate Criminal Enforcement unit conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic violation.
The deputies talked with the driver, Jorge Rodriguez Lopez, and two passengers, Pedro Valle and Lazaro Martinez Noda.
The suspects said they were driving from Tennessee heading back to Miami, where they live.
During a roadside interview, it was found that the suspects were involved in criminal activity based on statements and conflicting stories.
A search of the vehicle found 273 stolen checks from numerous victims, hidden in the rear quarter panel of the vehicle. The checks from the identity fraud victims totaled approximately $306,699.08.
Deputies, investigators and the United States Postal Inspectors have partnered and are working to contact the victims involved.
Additionally, Noda is currently wanted by the United States Marshall Service for unrelated charges. All three suspects are currently in the Lowndes County Jail.
