Binders Filled With Stolen Identities, Suitcases Packed With Drugs Found On 2 Suspects In SMC: Police

SAN MATEO, CA — Officers arrested a man and woman Monday in San Mateo after they found binders and notebooks containing victims’ personal identifying information, including Social Security numbers and banking information, and suitcases filled with suspected drugs, police said

At 8:47 p.m. on Monday a San Mateo Police officer pulled over a car near Chess Drive and Bridgepointe Parkway. Police said the driver, identified as Chad Correia, 45, of La Cañada, had an active misdemeanor arrest warrant.

Officers searched his car and found drug paraphernalia, several fake California driver’s licenses bearing Correia's photo, and binders and notebooks filled with the sensitive personal information of numerous potential victims, including Social Security numbers, addresses and banking details.

Before the stop, the officer said they saw a woman, later identified as Megan McMurray, 45, of Burbank, speaking with Correia inside the car.

Officers said they searched the area and found McMurray hiding behind a car near a nearby hotel. McMurray initially provided officers with a false name and they found out she had two active felony warrants for her arrest.

Police said they searched two of McMurray’s suitcases nearby and found a significant amount of drugs packaged for sale, including methamphetamine, heroin, and Xanax. The suitcases also contained more fake driver’s licenses and extensive personal identifying information belonging to victims.

Correia and McMurray were both arrested on numerous felony and lesser charges, police said.

Officers said Correia faces charges including possessing a controlled substance for sale, possessing a narcotic for sale, identity theft, forgery, criminal conspiracy and multiple drug possession charges. McMurray faces similar charges, including possessing a controlled substance for sale, possessing a narcotic for sale, identity theft and forgery, along with her outstanding warrants, police said.

Both suspects were booked into the San Mateo County Jail, police said.