Wanted Suspect: Reward of up to $1,000

 Mario Kevin Chavez 

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***Also known as Mario Ruiz*** 

San Diego County Crime Stoppers is working with investigators from the San Diego Regional Fraud Task Force and asking for assistance from the public in locating Mario Chavez. Chavez is wanted in connection with a series of crimes involving the passing of counterfeit U.S. currency throughout San Diego County. Chavez targets sellers offering mobile phones for sale on sites such as “Offer Up”, “Let Go” and classified ads posted on “Craigslist”. Chavez makes contact with the seller through the app or by texting. Chavez will agree to a price and pays for the mobile device in cash. In most cases, the victim does not discover the money they received from Chavez was counterfeit until after Chavez has already left with the device. Chavez is known to use force or flee if confronted by a seller. 

Mario Kevin Chavez is a Hispanic male, 27-years-old, 6’3” tall, weighs 295 lbs., and has brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information on the location of Chavez should call the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477. Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $1,000 reward to anyone with information that leads to an arrest in this case. Visit the Crime Stoppers website at www.sdcrimestoppers.org for more information on how to send anonymous web and mobile app tips.