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Deputies arrest Phoenix business owner for identity theft


04:52 PM Mountain Standard Time on Tuesday, June 30, 2009

By Jennifer Thomas / azfamily.com

PHOENIX -- Maricopa County sheriff's deputies arrested a Phoenix business owner as part of an identity theft investigation Tuesday morning.

Lt. Brian Lee said after receiving information through Arpaio's illegal immigration hotline, deputies served search warrants at Aracruz International Granite, 2310 W. Sherman St., and at the business owner's home in Anthem at approximately 10 a.m. Tuesday.

Deputies arrested the owner, Raphael Libardi, 48, of Brazil, near his home for identity theft, mortgage fraud, and being in the country illegally.

Lee said Libardi had used the Social Security number of a dead man to purchase two vehicles and two homes.

Two of Libardi's children, Ive Libardi, 25, and Isac Libardi, 20, were also arrested at the business for suspicion of being in the country illegally.

Aracruz International is a supplier of granite countertops that employs between 15 and 20 people.


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