Imperial Beach Couple Accused Of Identity Theft

IMPERIAL BEACH, Calif. -- A South Bay couple was arrested on charges of allegedly stealing someone's identity to pay for phone, cable and Internet service over a three-month period, authorities said Wednesday.

LaManuel and Shawnte Williams were arrested about 8 a.m. Tuesday at their Imperial Beach home in the 5400 block of Imperial Avenue, and their four young children were placed in protective custody, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.

Detectives determined the suspects stole the victim's name, Social Security number, driver's license number and date of birth by "unknown means," Detective Sgt. Pete Meza said.

Using the purloined information, the couple purchased Cox Communications services -- phone, cable television and Internet lines, as well as a modem for their computer, he said.

The bill for the services exceeded $1,500 over three months until Cox stopped the services and began to charge the victim's bank account, according to Meza.

A search of the Williams' apartment netted documentation of the victim's identification, and the modem and cable box purchased with the stolen information, Meza said.

LaManuel Williams, 28, admitted to the identity theft, and his 29-year-old wife told investigators she knew the information was used to buy the Cox services, Meza said.

They were arrested on suspicion of several identity theft counts, and LaManuel Williams was booked on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia at the time of the arrest, authorities said.

Under the Drug Endangered Children program, a social worker took custody of the couple's four children.