7 arrested in Nye County identity theft investigation

The Nye County Sheriff’s Office made seven arrests this month in connection with an identity theft and check forgery ring in Pahrump.

The sheriff’s office began its investigation after deputies said a woman tried to cash two fake checks on the same day at a Pahrump casino Nov. 7.

Deputies arrested Diane Lee Lake, 36, and Christopher Raymond Biddy, 41, on March 7. Detectives searched Lake’s home and said they found evidence — including stolen mail and personal records — that checks were being altered and forged there and that an identity-theft scheme was being operated out of the home.

The investigation found nearly 200 individuals and businesses in Pahrump and Clark County were affected by the identity theft and forgery operation, the sheriff’s office said in a release Monday. Officers found documents involving 75 victims at Lake’s home.

Others also have been arrested in connection with the investigation.

David Barger, 30, was arrested with Biddy on charges of carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, the release said. Denico Yelvington, 25, was arrested March 6 after police said they discovered he was cashing fake checks that had been forged at Lake’s Pahrump residence.

A search warrant served March 8 at a second Pahrump home led to the arrest of Tia Diane Dircio, 37, for charges related to mail and identity theft and check fraud and forgery. Another warrant served March 11 led to the arrest of Jeffrey Lee Gavalas, 54, and Jennie Lee Tedford, 30, on charges including forgery and drug possession.

During interviews for the identity theft and check fraud investigation, police also learned of a burglary involving juveniles who had stolen firearms from a Pahrump home, police said in the release.

The sheriff’s office is looking for Kameron Varden, a man deputies accuse of helping one of the juveniles cover up the theft. Varden also is wanted on charges of child abuse, possession of a stolen firearm and obstructing a police officer, deputies said.

Joseph Williams, the only adult at Provenza’s residence when police served the arrest warrant, was arrested on drug charges, police said.The sheriff’s office is still looking for Provenza, who faces a charge of felony gun possession.

Two juveniles later were arrested in connection with stolen ammunition, assault files and parts for assault rifles.

Contact Kimber Laux at klaux@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0381. Find her on Twitter: @lauxkimber.