An Irvine man has been extradited from Peru to face a slew of charges, including theft, identity theft and drug trafficking, Orange County authorities announced Wednesday.
Erick Grant Rustad, 44, was out on bail in April 2025 when he fled the country, first traveling to Mexico and eventually to Peru, his mother’s country of citizenship. He had been released on $100,000 bail on suspicion of felony possession of fentanyl, in addition to two prior convictions for drug possession, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.
After an Orange County judge issued a $150,000 bench warrant for Rustad’s arrest at the end of April 2025, a federal judge also signed off on an arrest warrant for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
His criminal history traces back to May 2023, according to Irvine police, who searched Rustad’s Irvine home and car and found at least 14 victims’ identification documents, Social Security numbers and credit cards, as well as methamphetamine.
In July 2023, Rustad was captured on surveillance video stealing a key to a Maserati, according to police. While out on bail for the Maserati key theft charge, Rustad broke into a parking lot and tried to steal several bikes, the DA’s office said.
Then, in March 2024, Rustad allegedly deposited a stolen and altered check for $2,795 into his account. After posting bail, Rustad was arrested again, this time with dozens of unused baggies and methamphetamine concealed in a hidden compartment under the vehicle’s hood.
“While out on bail for two prior felonies in April 2024, Rustad is accused of texting various associates discussing drug purchases, pricing, supply chains, and engaging in multiple hand-to-hand drug sales,” the DA’s office said in a statement. “A search warrant led to the recovery of fentanyl and methamphetamine, along with multiple phones and digital scales used in drug sales.”
Authorities said the alleged criminal activity continued. In June 2024, Rustad was arrested after someone delivered a blue bag containing methamphetamine, fentanyl, crushed Xanax pills and two cell phones to his home.
Other criminal accusations against Rustad include stealing a package from a stranger’s doorstep and stealing sunglasses from Nordstrom, the DA’s office said.
After several months on the run, Rustad was arrested in Peru on Feb. 13. With the cooperation of Peruvian authorities, he was extradited on Oct. 13.
Rustad faces a combined maximum sentence of 29 years and six months if convicted on all charges.
The arrest and extradition of the fugitive were made possible through multijurisdictional efforts by the FBI, the U.S. Department of Justice, Irvine Police Department, Orange County Sheriff’s Department and Tustin Police Department, according to the Orange County DA’s office.