FBI arrests first suspect on ‘most wanted fraudsters’ list
First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli joins ‘Saturday in America’ to discuss the ongoing fraud crackdown and multiple arrests made on suspects who allegedly stole hundreds of millions of dollars.
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Two California men accused of stealing more than $100,000 worth of tools, copper wire and vehicles allegedly took pictures of themselves while committing the crimes, authorities said.
The alleged thefts occurred during a burglary at a business in American Canyon on July 6, according to the American Canyon Police Department.
Police said officers responded to a reported burglary in the 1100 block of Green Island Road.
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Authorities arrested Daniel Lemas, right, and Dennis Tylij in connection with a burglary in American Canyon that investigators said was documented with alleged selfie photographs. (American Canyon Police Department)
Investigators identified two vehicles connected to the burglary and shared the information with neighboring law enforcement agencies.
The following day, the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office stopped one of the vehicles and detained the driver, who was identified as Daniel Lemas, 53, of Hayward.
Police said evidence recovered during the investigation included selfie photographs allegedly showing Lemas committing the burglary.
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Police said this selfie photograph allegedly shows Daniel Lemas committing a burglary that resulted in more than $100,000 worth of tools, copper wire and vehicles being stolen. (American Canyon Police Department)
Lemas was arrested on charges of burglary and booked into the Napa County Department of Corrections on multiple felony charges stemming from the investigation.
On July 8, the Hayward Police Department stopped the second vehicle connected to the burglary and detained the driver, identified as 49-year-old Dennis Tylij of Hayward.
After responding to the scene, American Canyon police arrested Tylij, who was booked into the Napa County Department of Corrections on a felony conspiracy charge.
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American Canyon police said alleged selfie photographs taken during a burglary helped investigators identify Daniel Lemas and Dennis Tylij, who are accused of stealing more than $100,000 worth of tools, copper wire and vehicles. (American Canyon Police Department)
Investigators later executed a search warrant at a home in the 3200 block of Arden Road in Hayward, where they recovered some of the stolen property.
According to The California Post, Lemas has since posted $25,000 bail and was released from custody, while Tylij remains jailed.
