Irvine, CA (June 4, 2015): Three suspects have been arrested after two observant custodians observed and reported a commercial burglary in progress. Michael Fairfax, 35, Rachel Fiore, 26, and Patrick Sanders, 51, were arrested on charges related to burglary, identity theft, possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, and fraud-related crimes.
At approximately 11:00 p.m. on June 2, 2015, two custodians were working in a business complex on Corporate Park and observed a male subject, later identified as Fairfax, stealing a computer from an office. The custodians followed the suspect out of the office and called the police. They were able to provide a detailed physical and clothing description and give officers a last-known direction of travel. Irvine Police Department (IPD) officers responded to the scene and quickly located Fairfax hiding in the bushes. Sanders and Fiore were located waiting in a nearby vehicle.
Officers recovered the computer and additional documents stolen from the business. Inside the vehicle, the suspects were found to be in possession of several documents containing other people’s personal identifying information, including credit card numbers. Some of these credit card numbers have been used to make fraudulent online purchases and hotel reservations. The suspects were also in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
The suspects may have had access to victim personal information through their work. Fairfax may have been associated with charity golf tournaments, specifically Krank It Hole charity, and solar sales. Sanders may have worked as a financial planner. Fiore may have worked in medical billing.
IPD commends the two custodians for their diligence, attention to detail, and valuable assistance in this case.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact IPD Detective Kristi Valentine at 949-724-7188.