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AGENCY, IOWA -- A southeast Iowa man is sitting in jail after he stole the identity of a high-ranking gang member from the east coast.

Early this morning the Wapello County Sheriff's Department and Ottumwa Police Department executed a search warrant at an apartment located at 227 West Wapello in Agency, Iowa.

Officers learned that the Agency resident was using the stolen identity of a violent gang member by the name of Roy Hidalgo.

The southeast Iowa man’s real name is Ricardo Almanza.

Officers tell KTVO that it's a common practice for criminals to distribute their social security number and other information to protect their where abouts.

"It’s hard for us to identify the real Roy Hidalgo if we have multiple Roy Hidalgos running around the country,” said Ottumwa Police Department’s Sgt. Nick wadding.

During the execution of the search warrant, officers seized a large number of documents with Almanza’s false identity and a small amount of marijuana.

The Agency man was arrested and charged with forgery, three counts of obstructing prosecution and contempt of court.

Ottumwa police said this wasn't the first time a case like this has come across their desks. In fact, they look into a handful of these cases each month.

Investigators said that a large number of illegal aliens in Ottumwa and southeast Iowa steal identities to obtain employment in the area.

"Communities that have packing plants are known to have a lot of illegal aliens working at their plants and people will come in for employment and use a false identity to be employed," said Ottumwa Police Department’s Lt. Tom McAndrew.

Police warn residents that it’s important to keep track of your personal documents and always shred important information when you’re tossing it out. These simple tips will help protect your identity.