Five Arrested for Mail Fraud in Kerman Following Months-Long Investigation
FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — A months-long investigation has led to the arrest of five individuals for mail fraud in Kerman, California. The suspects are accused of stealing mail and using personal information to commit fraud, impacting over 800 victims across the Valley.
Linda Valles, a Kerman resident, expressed concern over the alarming thefts in her community. “It’s scary because all of the information, and everything that they can get,” she said, adding that many victims lost valuable personal data, medication, and more.
Kerman police have traced the thefts across a wide area, including Sacramento County. Detective Patrick Clark noted, “We are reaching out, there’s over probably 800 victims so far,” indicating the wide reach of the mail theft ring.
The investigation intensified on Sunday when officers spotted a vehicle linked to the thefts. Upon stopping the car, they identified two suspects and discovered almost 700 pieces of mail that did not belong to the occupants. A subsequent search warrant at their residence led to the discovery of more stolen mail and additional arrests.
The suspects face serious charges under both state and federal law, with potential penalties including up to five years in federal prison and $250,000 in fines.
Detectives revealed that the thieves used counterfeit keys to access mailboxes, making it difficult for residents to realize that their mail was missing. “A lot of people thought their mail just wasn’t being delivered,” Clark said. It wasn’t until fraudulent activity appeared on their credit cards or bank accounts that the victims realized their information had been stolen.
Thanks to community involvement and the diligent work of the police department, authorities were able to apprehend the key players responsible for these crimes. “To know that the police department has jumped on it and taken care of it, it makes me feel good about our police department,” said Valles.
Authorities are now reaching out to victims of the fraud, working to prevent further damage.