Bogh Bill on Asset Seizure Becomes Law

Bogh Bill Allowing Asset Seizure for Identity Theft Becomes Law

Assembly Bill 988, authored by Assemblyman Russ Bogh (R-Beaumont), was signed by Governor Schwarzenegger and chaptered into law this week. AB 988 will allow the goods and profits gained through identity theft to be seized by law enforcement.

Identity theft is a serious and growing crime particularly in the Inland Empire. This new law should deter ID thieves that target our personal information and guarantees they will lose any gains from their criminal activity,” said Bogh.

Assembly Bill 988 rectifies a loophole in current law by requiring that goods and profits accumulated through identity theft be forfeited by the criminal. This will ensure that criminals do not continue to enjoy the fruits of their illegal conduct.

This measure was originally proposed by San Bernardino County Sheriff Gary Penrod, who brought the proposed measure to Assemblyman Bogh. “Thank you to Assemblyman Bogh for his hard work to protect Californians,” stated the Office of the Sheriff. “This legislation is essential due to the rise in identity theft and the fact that California leads the nation in identity theft.”

Assemblyman Bogh represents the 65th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Moreno Valley, Yucaipa, Big Bear, Beaumont, Cherry Valley, Sun City, Calimesa, Hemet, San Jacinto, as well as Twentynine Palms and Yucca Valley.