Released: August 30, 2012 - Thursday, 06:14 PM
Fraud, Burglary, Possession of a Controlled Substance
Contact: Tony CipollaPhone: (805) 781-4547Date and time of incident: 8-28-12, Approximately 5 PMPlace of Occurrence: Farmhouse Motel, 400 Block of Spring Street, Paso RoblesVictim Information: N/ASuspect Information: Richard Joseph Sams, 45, Los OsosRecently, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Narcotics Task Force received information that a parolee at large, Richard Joseph Sams of Los Osos was using fake credit cards in the local area. On 8-28-12 Sams was located at the Farmhouse Motel in Paso Robles. A search of his motel room turned up items that would commonly be used to create fake credit cards and counterfeit checks, including printers, label makers, gift cards and blank checks. Based on the number of social security numbers and bank account numbers found in the motel room, investigators believe there may be a large number of local victims in this case. Investigators also found marijuana, illegal prescription drugs and drug paraphernalia. Sams was arrested and booked into San Luis Obispo County Jail. Booking photo release authorized. The Sheriff's Office urges residents to keep an eye on their bank statements and if they notice any discrepancies or if they think their personal identification has been compromised to contact their local law enforcement agency. 
