Traffic Stop leads to the arrest of two Upland, CA residents

To:      All News Outlets

From:  Jennifer Hansen, Public Information Officer

Date:   July 15, 2013

RE:      Traffic Stop leads to the arrest of two Upland, CA residents

On the afternoon of Saturday, July 13, 2013, at approximately 2:55 pm, Mono County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle headed southbound out of Lee Vining at a high rate of speed.

Raissa Leinani Cadiente, age 25, of Upland, CA, and passenger, Robert Earl Pitts, age 35, also of Upland, CA, were stopped by deputies on southbound Hwy 395 at Utility Road outside of Lee Vining for speeding. As the vehicle was run for current registration information, Mono County Sheriff’s Dispatch advised deputies that the vehicle was reported stolen out of Downey, CA, and that Ms. Cadiente was the wanted suspect. She was also driving on a suspended license. Ms. Cadiente and Mr. Pitts were both asked to exit the vehicle. Ms. Cadiente was then asked if there was anything illegal in the vehicle. She stated there was a small amount of marijuana but she possessed a medical marijuana card for it.

Upon the vehicle search, a small amount of marijuana was located in the glove box. Also, numerous Macy’s bags, with brand new merchandise, were also found behind the driver and passenger seats of the vehicle. Deputies could not locate any receipts or proof of purchase for the items in the bags. Deputies further searched the vehicle and located fourteen (14) Green Dot Debit cards wrapped together with rubber bands. These cards are generally used to fraudulently obtain bank information and funds. Deputies located a bank statement, with a debit card number and pin number. The bank statement did not belong to either Ms. Cadiente or Mr. Pitts. Further investigation found that the Green Dot Debit cards were in fact stolen with the intent to sell, and the Macy’s merchandise had been fraudulently purchased.

Ms. Cadiente was placed under arrest for vehicle theft, driving with a suspended license, and receiving stolen property. She was transported to the Mono County Jail without incident.

Mr. Pitts had an active misdemeanor warrant out of San Bernardino County and was also placed under arrest. He was also transported to the Mono County Jail without incident. Both cases are pending charges with the Mono County District Attorney’s Office.