Full Breakdown
Newport Beach Police Arrest Two Women for Using Fake IDs Outside Mutt Lynch’s
7/5/2026, 1:09:32 PM
“Not in Newport” Campaign Targets Underage Drinking
The Newport Beach Police Department released body-camera footage on Instagram as part of its “Not in Newport” summer campaign, which aims to curb underage drinking and DUI incidents from Spring Break onward. The video was removed hours later; a city spokesperson declined to explain.
Body-Camera Interaction Details
On June 20, officers stopped two college-aged women outside Mutt Lynch’s. The officer asked one woman where she was from (Washington), where she attended school (Illinois State), and where she lived (Massachusetts). She pointed to an ID that read “Washington,” then admitted she was 20 and attended the University of Southern California, saying, “I’m smarter than Illinois.” The officer informed her she was under arrest for using someone else’s ID and noted she was the tenth person arrested that day. She was handcuffed and taken into custody.
Penalties for Fake ID Use in California
State law imposes a minimum $250 fine, at least 24 hours of community service, up to one year in jail, and a possible one-year driver’s license suspension for anyone with a counterfeit ID. Individuals without a license may face an additional year before obtaining one.
Official Statements from City and Police
- The police department described the footage as part of the “Not in Newport” initiative to deter underage alcohol consumption and DUI offenses during the high-traffic summer period.
- A city spokesperson declined to provide a reason for the Instagram video’s removal, stating the decision was internal.
Conflicting Reports and Information Gaps
- The officer identified the woman as the “10th person” arrested that day, but no official tally or follow-up data is available.
- The city’s rationale for removing the video remains undisclosed, leaving a gap in understanding the department’s communication strategy.
- No information has been released on court proceedings, bail conditions, or the second woman’s arrest status.
Verbatim Quotes from the Arrest
- “Where are you from?” — Officer, Newport Beach Police Department
- “I go to Illinois State.” — Woman, age 20
- “Well, isn’t that in Washington?” — Woman, age 20
- “You’re under arrest for using someone else’s ID.” — Officer, Newport Beach Police Department
- “But all my friends did. Are you going to catch them all?” — Woman, age 20
- “Yeah, you’re like the 10th person we’ve arrested today.” — Officer, Newport Beach Police Department
Outlook and Potential Follow-Up
The Newport Beach Police Department indicated that its “Not in Newport” campaign will continue throughout the summer. The city has not announced any additional measures or investigations related to the arrests.
