Crime & Safety
Illinois Forgery Case: Man Charged With Using Identity of Person Dead 60 Years
Waterloo, IL – A 59 year old New Jersey man facing two felony forgery charges in southern Illinois was released from custody after investigators allegedly discovered fraudulent federal identification
By Nora Whitfield · 2026-10-21T18:11:25.826Z
Waterloo, IL – A 59 year old New Jersey man facing two felony forgery charges in southern Illinois was released from custody after investigators allegedly discovered fraudulent federal identification documents, including a Social Security number belonging to someone who died more than 60 years ago.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff 's Department, Pedro Martin Carranza Loayza, of North Bergen, New Jersey, was arrested following an Oct. 7 investigation connected to suspected thefts targeting businesses in the Metro St. Louis area.
Traffic Stop Uncovers Suspicious Documents
Investigators located a vehicle traveling southbound on Illinois Route 3 after receiving information from Columbia police.
The vehicle had reportedly been identified through an automated license plate reader during a theft investigation conducted by Fairview Heights police.
Authorities suspected the driver of involvement in scams affecting multiple businesses, particularly tire retailers.
Deputies attempted a traffic stop, and the vehicle initially failed to yield before stopping near Route 3 and Southview Drive in Waterloo.
Social Security Number Linked to Deceased Individual
Carranza Loayza presented a valid New Jersey driver's license, according to investigators.
Deputies subsequently discovered photocopies of a Social Security card and a U.S. permanent resident card displaying another person's name.
The sheriff's office said the Social Security number was associated with someone who had died more than six decades earlier.
Officials emphasized that the investigation did not independently establish Carranza Loayza's immigration status or whether his driver's license was fraudulently obtained.
Felony Charges Filed, Suspect Released
On Oct. 8, the Monroe County State's Attorney's Office authorized two felony counts of forgery involving possession with intent.
Carranza Loayza was initially booked into the Monroe County Jail but was subsequently released pending a future court appearance.
Sheriff Neal Rohlfing criticized the release, expressing concerns about limitations within Illinois' pretrial detention laws.
Illinois' SAFE T Act eliminated traditional cash bail, although courts retain authority to order detention under qualifying circumstances.
Authorities have not announced a conviction or additional charges connected to the suspected business thefts.
Carranza Loayza is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.