Los Angeles: On Thursday, July 18, 2002, Foothill Area detectives served a search warrant at 25702 Holiday Circle in the Stevenson Ranch area of the Santa Clarita Valley at the residence of James Dean White. The warrant was a result of an ongoing investigation for multiple counts of fraud and grant theft. 43-year old White obtained information from newspapers and recycler advertisements and he would then contact victims who were attempting to sell their vehicle. White would fraudulently sign a contract and only make one or two payments. He would no longer make any additional payments and refused to return the vehicles to their owners.

White was subsequently arrested for Grand Theft Auto. Bail has been set at $120,000.00. The investing detectives believe there are additional victims. Suspect White is believed to have been operating in the Santa Clarita Valley, San Fernando Valley and other areas throughout Southern California.

Anyone with further information or any victims who have had contact with White should contact the Foothill Area Auto Detectives at 818-834-3115. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-977-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.