High Desert stereo shop employees defraud customer of $17,000

Sheriff's deputies have arrested employees of a car stereo business on suspicion of running up about $17,000 in fraudulent charges on a customer's credit cards.

Roger Villalobos, 33, and Joe Rivera, 25, both of Victorville were arrested on suspicion of elder or dependent adult abuse, burglary and conspiracy, San Bernardino County sheriff's officials said.

The victim, who reported the crime Sunday, said her 27-year-old developmentally disabled and hearing-impaired son came to L.A. Stereo to have a backup camera installed in his vehicle. The job was supposed to cost $200 and the shop offered to install new rims and stereo equipment at no cost, sheriff's officials said.

But when the woman called L.A. Stereo, she discovered the job would actually cost more than $10,000. Employees refused to provide receipts for items and labor. Soon after that, she discovered thousands of dollars in charges had been made on her Lowe's and Home Depot credit card accounts.

Investigators discovered the woman's son was taken to Lowe's and Home Depot with the suspects on several occasions. The suspects bought tools, barbecues and gift certificates on the woman's credit accounts, which her son had access to.

Deputies searched the store and the home of the company's president Monday, recovering numerous purchased items and receipts.

melissa.pinion-whitt@inlandnewspapers.com