Stolen ID causes tax problem for Texan, puts local man in jail

By JARED DuBACH — Staff Writer
Thursday, January 22, 2009 12:41 PM PST


ELKO — A case of mistaken identity — or in this case, stolen identity — has resulted in much aggravation for a Texas resident.

Mario Pinedo-Rojas, 40, of West Wendover was arrested Tuesday at Montego Bay Casino by a West Wendover police officer on a charge of possessing falsely obtained documents.

Sgt. David Wiskerchen said Pinedo-Rojas used a false ID to gain employment. He was tracked down after police received a report from Texas alleging Pinedo-Rojas had used a man’s identity, causing the IRS to accuse the Texan of owing substantial back taxes.

Wiskerchen said Pinedo-Rohas had somehow purchased the information, but the suspect would not say from whom. Because the crime initiated in Elko County, Pinedo-Rojas will be tried here.

He is being held at Elko County Jail without bail on a hold for Immigration and Customs Enforcement as he is a citizen of Mexico. Bail is $20,000.

Wiskerchen said identify theft and fraud has “really been a problem in our county.â€