FBI arrests first suspect on ‘most wanted fraudsters’ list
Bill Essayli, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, appeared on “Saturday in America” to discuss an ongoing fraud enforcement push and a series of arrests involving suspects accused of stealing hundreds of millions of dollars.
Authorities say two California men suspected of taking tools, copper wire and vehicles valued at more than $100,000 also appeared to document the crimes by taking photos of themselves during the alleged burglary.
The thefts were reported after a July 6 break-in at a business in American Canyon, according to the American Canyon Police Department.
Officers were called to the 1100 block of Green Island Road after receiving a report of a burglary, police said.
Daniel Lemas, right, and Dennis Tylij were arrested in connection with an American Canyon burglary that investigators said was captured in alleged selfie photographs. (American Canyon Police Department)
During the investigation, detectives linked two vehicles to the burglary and distributed that information to nearby law enforcement partners.
A day later, deputies with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office stopped one of the vehicles and detained the driver, identified as 53-year-old Daniel Lemas of Hayward.
According to police, investigators recovered evidence that included selfie-style images allegedly showing Lemas taking part in the burglary.
Police said this selfie photograph allegedly shows Daniel Lemas committing a burglary that resulted in more than $100,000 worth of tools, copper wire and vehicles being stolen. (American Canyon Police Department)
Lemas was arrested on charges of burglary and booked into the Napa County Department of Corrections on multiple felony charges stemming from the investigation.
On July 8, the Hayward Police Department stopped the second vehicle connected to the burglary and detained the driver, identified as 49-year-old Dennis Tylij of Hayward.
After responding to the scene, American Canyon police arrested Tylij, who was booked into the Napa County Department of Corrections on a felony conspiracy charge.
American Canyon police said alleged selfie photographs taken during a burglary helped investigators identify Daniel Lemas and Dennis Tylij, who are accused of stealing more than $100,000 worth of tools, copper wire and vehicles. (American Canyon Police Department)
Investigators later executed a search warrant at a home in the 3200 block of Arden Road in Hayward, where they recovered some of the stolen property.
According to The California Post, Lemas has since posted $25,000 bail and was released from custody, while Tylij remains jailed.
