LOS ANGELES -- Felony charges were announced Thursday against 20 suspects in a Southern California identity-theft ring responsible for millions of dollars in fraud.

"If one were to take a look at the amount of identity theft that takes place, and the residual effect from that, it likely is one of the most significant negative impacts everyone across the board feels," said Los Angeles police Lt. Rick Angelos.

The crime ring operated in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura and San Diego counties, with victims as far away as Florida, police said.

Twenty-two people were arrested March 7, as part of a joint operation conducted by the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Felony charges were filed against 20 of the suspects, including counts of conspiracy, identity theft, making false financial statements and receiving stolen property, police said. Their names were not immediately available.