Fraud suspect wanted in 3 states arrested outside Phoenix
Benito Yanez
PRESCOTT, Ariz. - A man wanted in Minnesota and Florida on fraud charges has been arrested in Arizona.
Yavapai County Sheriff’s officials said 71-year-old Benito Yanez of Phoenix also had a warrant out of Mohave County in a probation violation on charges of fraud schemes and forgery.
A sheriff’s deputy stopped the car Yanez was driving on the night of August 22 outside of Wickenburg on suspicion of speeding and having an expired registration.
Authorities said Yanez had a Louisiana driver’s license that appeared fraudulent and a records check showed Yanez had several active warrants.
During a search of Yanez’s vehicle, deputies reported finding a handgun, a fake Arizona identification card and bogus out-of-state ID cards plus credit cards and Medicare cards under a false name.
Sheriff’s officials said Yanez is a prohibited possessor of firearms based on a prior felony conviction.
Yanez was booked into the Camp Verde jail on multiple charges with his bond set at $75,000.
It was unclear if Yanez had a lawyer yet who could speak on his behalf.
Get breaking news alerts in the FOX 10 News app. It is FREE! Download for Apple iOS or Android.