Man suspected of using fake letter from DA to try to get his van out of impound in Laguna Beach

A Long Beach man was arrested New Year’s Eve after he presented what Laguna Beach police say was a fraudulent letter from the Orange County district attorney in an effort to persuade them to release his impounded van.

On Monday, an officer impounded Brett Edward Toston’s Ford van after a record check revealed that Toston was driving on a suspended license, according to police. Court records indicate he was charged in July with a misdemeanor on allegations of driving when privilege was suspended or revoked.

Police said Toston, 53, arrived at the Laguna Beach police station Tuesday with a letter he said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer had provided him so the Police Department would release his vehicle.

Laguna Beach police Sgt. Jim Cota said Thursday that when officers looked over the letter, it was “very apparent” that it was fraudulent.

An officer later found evidence in Toston’s belongings that included paperwork used to cut and paste the letter together, Cota said. Toston was arrested on suspicion of fraud, and his bail was initially set at $20,000, Cota said.

Orange County Jail records Thursday indicated his bail had been raised to $75,000. He is due in court for arraignment Friday.

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