Detectives and federal agents have now arrested more than a dozen suspects and are investigating more in the theft of countless dollars from individuals and businesses.

And yes, local police have evidence to believe residents and businesses in the Estancia Valley have also been a target.

"I think this is bigger than anyone could have imagined," Estancia police Chief Jimmy Chavez said Monday.

Estancia police believe two of the suspects in the fraud ring were responsible for stealing more than $9,000 from EMW Gas Association.

On Feb. 16, the Estancia Police Department responded to a report by EMW that its checking account had been compromised. Between Jan. 19 and Feb. 5, 16 EMW checks were written in Edgewood and Albuquerque primarily, totaling $9,251, Chavez said. Police were also able to obtain video of the suspects who were passing checks.

Estancia police are now working with the special task force assigned to the case, including the U.S. Secret Service, to bring the group to justice. Chavez said he is ready to make arrests but is waiting for word from the task force.

EMW checks, along with checks stolen in an October burglary in Estancia, also were found in one of the suspect's residences after police obtained a search warrant, Chavez said. He would not release the names of the suspects in the EMW fraud case until an arrest is made.

Chavez said he believes that suspects from the Estancia Valley may be involved with the ring.

As of now, there have been reports related to the ring in Moriarty, according to police Chief Bobby Garcia.

Robert Rivera, 37, the suspected ringleader, was arrested in Albuquerque on Feb. 18 on 74 felony counts including fraud, forgery, identity theft and racketeering. Officials believe the ring made bogus checks, fake credit cards and IDs. The suspects are accused of using the checks and credit cards to defraud businesses across the state.

Chavez encouraged anyone who believes he or she may have been a victim to contact their local law enforcement agency.

"If their case has any involvement in the ring, their local police department can coordinate with the task force," he said.