Watertown Man Arrested After Two-Decade Identity Theft Investigation

Watertown resident taken into custody following a twenty-year investigation into identity theft crimes.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - A lengthy investigation into identity theft and fraud has led to the arrest of a Watertown man who allegedly lived under a stolen identity for more than 20 years.

On February 25, 2026, the Watertown Police Department arrested 47-year-old Javier Hernandez Cervantes during a traffic stop. The arrest follows a detailed probe that began in June 2025, after a California resident reported that his identity was being used fraudulently in South Dakota.

Investigators determined that Cervantes, a Mexican national, had been using the victim’s name, date of birth, and Social Security number for over two decades across both Minnesota and South Dakota. According to police, the stolen identity was used to:

·        Obtain official identification.

·        Secure employment.

·        Incur various financial obligations.

·        Interact with law enforcement officers.

Following the arrest, authorities executed a search warrant at a Watertown residence to gather further evidence.

Cervantes was booked into the Codington County Detention Center and faces several charges:

·        Forgery (4 counts)

·        Identity Theft (4 counts)

·        Impersonation to Deceive Law Enforcement 

Bond has been set at $10,000 cash, and officials noted that additional charges may be filed as the review of collected evidence continues. Under U.S. law, all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

“This case highlights both the complexity and long-term nature of identity theft investigations,” the department stated, noting that individuals can often successfully assume another person’s identity for years before detection.

Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft

The Watertown Police Department encourages citizens to remain vigilant, as identity theft often occurs without warning. To protect yourself, officials recommend:

·        Regular Monitoring: Review your credit reports and financial accounts frequently for suspicious activity.

·        Tax Filing: File your tax returns as early as possible. Many victims only discover theft when they attempt to file and learn a return has already been submitted in their name.

·        Report Early: If you notice any irregularities, report them to law enforcement immediately.

For more information or to report suspicious activity, contact the Watertown Police Department at (605) 882-6210.