Federal authorities have arrested four individuals accused of using stolen Social Security numbers for fraudulent credit card debt accumulation followed by bankruptcy filings in Southern California. One suspect remains at large as officials detail how over $140,000 was allegedly erased through misuse of personal information.11:11 a.m. Thursday, Oct 1 By California Courts Daily Four individuals were arrested on Oct. 1 in Santa Ana, California, on federal charges alleging they used stolen Social Security numbers to obtain credit from retailers, accrued significant debts, and then filed for bankruptcy to erase the amounts owed.The defendants—Abel Ávila Martínez of Buena Park, Walter Anastacio Castellanos-Pérez of Rancho Dominguez, José Alfredo Chávez-Cabello of Long Beach, and Verónica Espinosa-Cortés of Bell Gardens—were taken into custody and are expected to appear in United States District Court in Santa Ana and Los Angeles. Law enforcement is still searching for a fifth defendant, Moisés Ortuño-Claras of Anaheim. Each faces charges related to fraud involving access devices exceeding $1,000. Four defendants are Mexican nationals; Castellanos-Pérez is a Guatemalan national.First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli said, “These defendants allegedly exploited both our financial system and the bankruptcy process and face up to 15 years in federal prison if convicted.” Peter Anderson, U.S. Trustee for Region 16 covering the Central District of California, said, “We appreciate the commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to ensuring that bankruptcy is not a safe haven for fraudsters.” Christian Assaad from the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General said, “These schemes leave innocent people to deal with the fallout of fraud and financial damage.” Erin Burke from Homeland Security Investigations added, “These arrests send the clear message that HSI and our partners are dedicated to rooting out financial fraud and protecting the public from those who lie and steal to illegally enrich themselves at the expense of innocent people.”According to affidavits filed with criminal complaints, between February 2025 and May 2025 each defendant filed for bankruptcy protection using Social Security numbers not assigned to them. The filings included sworn declarations admitting use of these numbers under penalty of perjury. The actual holders did not authorize this use.Specific instances detailed include Espinosa reporting $10,982 in debts mostly from furniture retailers; Ortuño accruing $63,974 mainly at major retail chains; Ávila reporting $15,964; Castellanos reporting $32,961; Chávez reporting $19,153—all primarily through retailer-issued credit cards obtained via misused Social Security numbers.A criminal complaint contains only allegations; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court. If convicted on current charges, each could face up to 15 years’ imprisonment.Special agents with several agencies including Homeland Security Investigations assisted with these cases alongside prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California—a division serving more than 19 million residents across seven counties that focuses on prosecuting federal crimes while supporting community outreach efforts through victim assistance programs, according to its official website.