Arrest one, get the second free! Stafford County deputies recovered multiple fake ID’s, stolen credit cards, and much more after a driver decided to try and drive away from a traffic stop.

On March 5th at approximately 5:24 p.m. Deputy C.C. Crossett responded to Staffordboro Boulevard for a report of two suspicious individuals in a black Mercedes. As Deputy Crossett responded to the area, his vigilant eyes happened to see a black Mercedes that made several traffic violations. Deputy Crossett conducted a traffic stop on Salisbury Drive. That stop did not last long.

As Deputy Crossett approached the vehicle, the vehicle suddenly took off, initiating a pursuit. vehicle fled onto Greenspring Drive as deputies responded to canvass the area. Deputy S.M. Craig was able to locate the Mercedes driver and passenger on foot on Vine Place. They both were detained without incident.

The driver, Vantino Johnson, 25, still had the vehicle’s key in his possession and so much more. Several credit cards and two ID’s that did not belong to him were found on his person. For an added bonus, Johnson had a suspended license and was wanted. The passenger, Christie Jelich, 45, had three fake ID’s, as well as, suspected controlled substances. There also just happened to be suspected controlled substances on the ground where they were located. If that wasn’t enough charges, an inventory search of the vehicle would fix that. More fake ID’s, several more stolen credit cards, and a stolen firearm were located within the vehicle.

Get ready for a long list. Johnson was charged with driving without a license, eluding, possession of a controlled substance, firearm possession by a felon, receipt of a stolen firearm, possession of a firearm while in possession of drugs, two counts of identity theft and seven counts of credit card theft. Jelich was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession of paraphernalia, and identity theft. Both their stays in Stafford would be extended as they were held without bond in Rappahannock Regional Jail.

Great work to Deputy Crossett for identifying the vehicle so quickly, and to Deputy Craig for detaining both suspects. Because of the hard work of the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, this criminal enterprise was shut down. This is still an ongoing investigation.