BREMERTON, Wash. — Two Bremerton women, Heather Marquis, 36, and her fiancée Emily Vranic, 33, are facing federal charges after allegedly stealing mail and committing extensive identity and financial fraud that impacted hundreds of Washington residents.
Federal prosecutors allege the couple orchestrated a five-year scheme that victimized 278 people across Kitsap and Mason counties, resulting in approximately $620,000 in losses.
“They were entirely subsisting their lifestyle on identity theft, bank fraud, wire fraud,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Victoria Cantore. “They created detailed profiles on their victims using stolen mail and personal documents.”
The pair came under investigation in October 2024 when Bremerton police uncovered suspicious activity during a separate car theft case involving fake vehicle titles. A search warrant executed at the couple’s Dill Way home uncovered a massive trove of stolen personal and financial documents, including bank statements, checks, credit cards, and driver’s licenses.
Bremerton police contacted the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), which launched a deeper investigation. Inspector John Wiegand confirmed that the recovered documents ranged from basic financial statements to entire identities.
One victim said his mail was stolen so frequently he began receiving credit card applications and voter registration packets without request. His driver’s license was also renewed without his knowledge. In total, officials found 16 fraudulent driver’s license renewals tied to Vranic and Marquis.
Another victim’s Lowe’s credit card was intercepted, activated, and used to make thousands in fraudulent purchases. Surveillance footage reportedly captured Vranic using the stolen card.
“These two defendants in particular seemed very confident, even arrogant,” Cantore added. “It’s scary because it seems so easy — that’s the terrifying part.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office confirmed that many of the alleged federal crimes occurred while both women were already under supervision for prior state convictions.
Vranic has been arraigned and released, while Marquis remains in custody at the Federal Detention Center in SeaTac. She pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to go to trial in June.
“These defendants left a broad swath of damage across Kitsap and Mason Counties,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Miller. “This case is the result of diligent work by Bremerton PD, Kitsap County deputies, and USPIS.”
If convicted, Marquis and Vranic face serious penalties:
Bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud: Up to 30 years in prison
Wire fraud: Up to 20 years
Aggravated identity theft: Mandatory minimum of two years per count, to be served consecutively
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
