Counterfeit suspects lead police on chase

Christine Carrillo

COSTA MESA -- Two people suspected of passing counterfeit money at

South Coast Plaza were arrested Saturday evening after leading police on

a brief vehicle pursuit, officials said Sunday.

The pursuit, which began at Ana Mesa Suites -- where special

enforcement officers were conducting surveillance -- ended in a

commercial complex at 3505 Cadillac Ave. when patrol officers forced the

suspects’ vehicle to spin out of control, said Costa Mesa Police Sgt.

Clay Epperson.

Believed that one of the suspects, 33-year-old Norman Licas of

Westminster, was armed and dangerous, officers ended the pursuit out of

public safety concerns by ramming the rear of the vehicle, causing it to

spin out of control. Both Licas and his 18-year-old passenger, Amanda

Robledo of Santa Ana, surrendered and were taken into custody, he said.

“We had reason to believe she was involved,” Epperson said.

“Everything is all unclear right now.”

The Police Department also arrested a third party who Epperson said

police believe is involved in the same counterfeiting operation.

James Phillips, 21, was arrested Saturday afternoon while attempting

to pass counterfeit bills at South Coast Plaza, Epperson said. Robledo

accompanied him at the time of his arrest but was not taken into custody,

he said. Phillips is currently being held at the Costa Mesa jail.

An investigation is still underway, Epperson said.

The police first received information on the passing of counterfeit

bills and Licas’ alleged involvement Saturday afternoon, at which point

surveillance began at the 3597 Harbor Blvd. hotel, Epperson said.

“People who produce the counterfeit money sell it to other people who

pass it off and sell it to other people,” he explained. “So we just don’t

know right now.”

Officials are not sure of Licas’ involvement but they will continue

their investigation jointly with the United States Secret Service.

Licas, who has a history of violent crime, can face charges including

possession of counterfeit money; possession of narcotics,

methamphetamine; possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle; and felon

with a firearm.

While officers found a firearm, ammunition, narcotics and counterfeit

U.S. currency in the vehicle, police said they believe Licas also threw

an additional handgun, ammunition and narcotics from his vehicle during

the pursuit.

The pursuit caused damage to both the police and suspects’ vehicles,

but neither Licas nor any officers were injured. Robledo complained of a

bump on the head and was treated by paramedics. She was arrested, but has

since been released and police are still investigating her role, Epperson

said.

Licas is currently being held on $200,000 bail and will await

arraignment either today or Tuesday, Epperson said.

* Christine Carrillo is the news assistant. She may be reached at

(949) 574-4298 or by e-mail ato7 christine.carrillo@latimes.comf7 .