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Morro Bay police arrest identity theft suspects

August 15, 2020

Steven Josef Banfi and Danielle Raquel Quijada

Morro Bay police officers caught a man and woman on Wednesday who allegedly stole numerous victim’s identification, which they used to obtain credit cards in order to commit theft.

At approximately 12:24 p.m., a witness reported a man with a rifle in a silver Mercedes in the Motel 6 parking lot at 298 Atascadero Road. Officers arrived at the scene and found the vehicle, which was occupied by San Francisco residents Steven Josef Banfi, 32, and Danielle Raquel Quijada, 28, according to the Morro Bay Police Department.

Officers determined Banfi was on probation, and thus, they could search the vehicle. While searching the Mercedes, offices found a replica rifle, brass knuckles, multiple credit cards with names of people other than the suspects, numerous related receipts, associated stolen property and $2,950 in cash.

Based on the receipts found in the vehicle, investigators say victims in the case lost a combined total of $11,888.96 in cash and stolen property.

Police arrested Banfi and Quijada on charges including use of another’s personal identification cards to obtain credit cards for theft; receiving or concealing stolen property greater than $950; and possession of personal identity of more than 10 people.

Officers booked Banfi and Quijada in San Luis Obispo County Jail. Both suspects were released from custody within 24 hours due to the $0 bail coronavirus rule.

An investigation into the case is ongoing. Anyone who has information about the case is asked to call the Morro Bay Police Department at (805) 772-6225.


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$0 Bail? The Bail business must be selling one-way plane tickets.


1

Waking up next to her at a Motel 6 would be a crime in itself!!!

What store would accept a credit card from either one of those two!!!


0

“Best views” but not for long. The plant is going to be destroyed (like MB residents’ pocketbooks).


Like Los Osos every MB business, renter or owner will bleed hundreds a month PLUS assured raises pretty well in perpetuity, (extra for predictable landslides and construction catastrophes) so that properly-located upgradeable old plant can become plover habitat. Maybe costing, say, five mil per bird housed there some day. Good job, Irons!


-3

They had 11 grand in the car and we’re staying at motel 6? Shows how bright they are


13

Last time I checked In-season room rate Morro Bay Motel 6 is 255.00 to 300.00 a night .

Rooms are not great .. But has some of the best views of Morro Rock and the water ….Just don’t look down you’ll see the water treatment plant


2

Moron lives matter. Just take a look at those two scumbags. Thank you MB Police department!


35

“Officers booked Banfi and Quijada in San Luis Obispo County Jail. Both suspects were released from custody within 24 hours due to the $0 bail coronavirus rule.” “released from custody within 24 hours due to the $0 bail coronavirus rule.” , also known as stupidity rule. What are the odds they will ever stand trial?


42

JThomas it is a “stupidity rule”. No wonder why the central coast has had such an increase in various crimes of over 46% in the past few years. Not surprising when one only has to stay in jail 24 hours, and not pay bail.


Additionally, and by extension, could be another reason why police moral is down. They make an arrest and see the same suspects on the street walking about the next day. If one has been a victim of ID thief this type of arrest and release should cause concern.


11

What are the odds they are still in the county?


7

Should have stayed in San Francisco, pretty much do whatever you want with that DA… https://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/article/San-Francisco-s-dangerous-new-DA-14986239.php


21