Investigators in North Hollywood Thursday sought additional possible victims of what they called a “serial theft suspect” believed responsible for a series of “trick/deceit” crimes involving collectible cards and counterfeit cash between Jan. 9 and June 9 of this year.
“During the investigation, detectives identified a pattern linking the crimes to the same suspect,” according to a Los Angeles Police Department news release. “In each incident, the suspect contacted sellers of collectible gaming cards through online peer-to-peer marketplaces and arranged to meet them to purchase items in cash.”
According to investigators, the suspect, whom they identified as 34-year-old Zachary Mitchell of Los Angeles, “would meet near ATM machines and portray that he had just withdrawn money, placing it in a bank envelope.”
“The suspect then utilized counterfeit money intermixed with one or two genuine bills to purchase these collectable cards. It was not until the suspect left with the cards that the seller realized they had been given counterfeit money,” police said.
Huntington Park police identified Mitchell last Thursday during a vehicle stop in the 2500 block of Zoe Avenue, where they located “multiple collectible cards along with counterfeit $100 bills.”
Mitchell was booked at the Van Nuys jail on suspicion of grand theft and was released on his own recognizance, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department jail records that indicated he was due in court on July 2.
Detectives released Mitchell’s photo because they believe there are other unidentified victims who might recognize him.
Anyone with information that could aid the investigation was urged to call North Hollywood Detective Noah Stone at 818-754-8424.
Anonymous tips can be supplied through Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.lacrimestoppers.org.