The Menlo Park Police Department initiated an investigation in November 2002 involving identity theft and forgery. This revealed that numerous suspects were printing fictitious bank checks and using them to make fraudulent retail purchases throughout the South Bay area.

On December 12, 2002, a search warrant was served at a residence on Palomar Road in unincorporated Redwood City. Personnel from the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office Crime Suppression Team, Detective Bureau, and REACT Hi-Tech Crime Task Force, assisted. Two residents at the home, William James Rivers (40 years old) and Melissa Mae Johnson (23 years old) were taken into custody. While the warrant was being served, Mr. Rivers intentionally released his dog, a Pit Bull/Bull Mastiff mix, to attack the officers, forcing them to shoot the dog in self-defense. Evidence was seized from the home, including computer equipment, a firearm, and a crossbow. Items which were purchased with a fictitious check were also located.

Later that same day, Menlo Park detectives conducted a probation search at another location in Redwood City. Kevin Ray Meeks (49 years old) was taken into custody, and more items of evidence were seized. This included computer equipment and items associated with forgery and identity theft. Investigators from the San Mateo County REACT Hi-Tech Crime Task Force responded to that location and provided valuable assistance.

All three suspects were booked into San Mateo County jail on numerous charges. Investigation by the Menlo Park Police Department is continuing.  ###