PHOTO PROVIDED BY INDIAN RIVER COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

TREASURE COAST — A Fort Lauderdale man was jailed last month after deputies said he used stolen identification information in a ploy to purchase a brand-new Cadillac from a dealership in Vero Beach. Deputies later found the man with several fake IDs, along with suspected stolen checks and mail, at a hotel in Fort Pierce.

Philippe Canell PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY INDIAN RIVER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

The hotel room, along with a U-Haul van, were both rented under a fake ID, according to officials. Deputies called the incidents part of a widespread identity theft operation.

“The suspect requested that the vehicle be delivered to a hotel in Fort Pierce, quickly becoming a key location in the investigation,” Indian River County sheriff’s officials said in a statement. “Detective Leon Bennett quickly coordinated an undercover operation that led to the arrest of Philippe Canell.”

Canell, 40, was charged in St. Lucie with fraudulent impersonation – using another person’s ID without consent; and fraud – display blank, stolen or forged driver’s license or ID. Canell has pending charges for Indian River that include criminal use of personal ID information, unlawful use of a two-way communications device, grand theft of $20,000 or more and unlawful possession of four or fewer IDs.

Canell was held Tuesday at the St. Lucie County Jail on a $250,000 bond.

Indian River County deputies responded to reports of a fraud on June 19 at Linus Cadillac in the 1400 block of U.S. 1, Vero Beach. Deputies spoke with the manager, who said a man provided identification that they deemed fraudulent.

Deputies contacted the man whose personal ID was stolen. The man verified his information and said he wished to pursue charges, reports show.

The Cadillac was scheduled to be delivered to the suspect, later identified as Canell, on June 20 at the Home2Suites by Hilton in Fort Pierce. Deputies met with Canell in the hotel lobby and found the fake ID in his wallet.

Deputies later discovered Canell also used a woman’s bank account number in an attempt to purchase the Cadillac. Deputies searched Canell’s U-Haul and found more than 50 fake IDs and driver’s licenses, international passports, birth certificates, social security cards and stolen mail, reports show.

Deputies arrested Canell and booked him into the St. Lucie County Jail.

“We commend Detective Bennett and our investigations team for exceptional work and continued dedication to protecting our community,” Indian River County sheriff’s officials said. “Additional charges and arrests are expected as the investigation continues.”