Sonora, CA…Quick thinking and work by Money Mart staff and the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Department led to the arrest of an out of area couple for what appears to be serial financial fraud. “Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the Money Mart in the Junction Shopping Center for a report that 36 year old David Tougas was attempting to cash a stolen check. As Deputies arrived, the suspect who matched the description given, got into the front passenger seat of a blue 2000 Volkswagen Station Wagon and immediately pulled out of the stall and headed towards the parking lot in front of Subway. Deputies caught up to the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop.

The driver was later identified as David’s wife, 31 year old Krystle Tougas from Waterford. As the Deputy approached the vehicle, Krystle immediately began reaching underneath her seat appearing to conceal something. A records check revealed that David and Krystle were both on searchable probation out of Stanislaus County and David was currently out on bail. A search of the vehicle produced 5 stolen check books under the drivers seat and three stolen credit cards located in Krystle’s purse. David admitted to attempting to cash the known stolen check at the business. The checks and credit cards were stolen out of Mariposa County.

David and Krystle Tougas were arrested and transported to the Tuolumne County Jail. David Tougas was booked for committing a felony while out on bail, burglary, conspiracy to commit a crime, forgery and receiving known stolen property. Krystle Tougas was booked for burglary, concealing evidence, receiving known stolen property and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Once again we thank the employee for being alert and thorough and reporting quickly to the Sheriff’s Office.”