Repeat offender charged with felony credit card fraud and theft
(FOX40.COM) — Woodland Police Department received a report of credit card fraud from a local resident on February 26, 2024. •Video above: New bill seeks to help implement Prop. 36 changes in California
WPD said that an investigation led them to Kenneth Matthews, who had unlawfully obtained the victim's credit and bank cards.
Police said Matthews also used the cards several times charging them to around $1,000 on their cards in just one day.
Matthews also had a prior conviction for unlawful use of personal identifying information and the charges were filed in 2024 on March, stated WPD.
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Even though those cases were pending and Matthews was out on bail, California voters passed Prop 36 which was aimed at addressing the retail theft crisis by increasing penalties for repeat thieves, said WPD. The law went into effect on Dec. 18 and after two days, Matthews was arrested during a retail theft blitz operation that was conducted by the California Highway Patrol's Valley Division at Target in Woodland.
Matthews was observed ticket-switching and paying only around $2 for around $200 worth of merchandise. He was stopped by CHP as he left the store with unpaid merchandise and was arrested after a record check revealed that he had numerous qualifying convictions making the conduct a felony charge.
District Attorney Jeff Reisig said, 'California voters have spoken by an overwhelming majority, passing Prop 36 by nearly 70%, calling for change and accountability for repeat theft offenders. This case is just one example that demonstrates the need for the changes that voters have rightfully demanded. The Yolo County District Attorney's Office will continue to fight to ensure that the voters' will is done by holding serial thieves accountable in a meaningful way to combat the retail theft crisis.'
These convictions stem from Matthews' repeated thefts in Yolo County from The Home Depot, and Target, and the unauthorized use of credit cards that belonged to residents in Woodland, said WPD. At many Home Depot stores from July to December 2023, police said he was caught on camera ticket-switching, as he would scan a lower-priced item in place of the expensive item he had chosen.
Home Depot Loss Prevention team caught Matthews scheme who then submitted their reports directly to the Yolo County District Attorney's Office through the FastPass program and charges were filed in 2024.
On March 25, WPD stated that Matthews pled no-contest to retail theft with two or more prior convictions, grand thefts, and unlawful use of personal identity information. Additionally, he admitted to eight prior qualifying convictions.
WPD said per the terms of the plea, Matthews will be sentenced on May 20 at around 9 a.m. at Yolo Superiors Court to three years and four months in local prison.
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