Authorities Break Up Fake ID Ring

Santa Barbara Sheriff’s deputies busted four City College students this week for mass-producing fake ID cards in Isla Vista. One was booked into County Jail and faces multiple charges, including criminal conspiracy and fraud. The cases on the other three suspects have been forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

Accompanied by detectives, the deputies served a search warrant on Tuesday at an apartment in the 6600 block of Sueno Road. Before entering, they made contact with one of the residents and main suspects, 20-year-old Kotarou Maruyama, who was in possession of several fake California driver licenses. He was subsequently taken into custody.

During their search, authorities found more California driver licenses in addition to what what Sheriff’s Department spokesperson Drew Sugars called “sophisticated equipment (computers, scanners, card presser, credit card reproduction equipment, and blank identification cards) used to create the fake IDs.” The search also yielded cocaine, Adderall, marijuana, and steroids inside the home.

Yuujirou Marujama, 19, faces similar charges as Maruyama. Camden Hersherberger, 20, and Anthony Ugas, 20, are charged with possessing fake IDs and narcotics.