SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — A San Bernardino woman is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say she orchestrated a large-scale mail theft and identity fraud operation that spanned across the county.
Rachel Sandoval, 40, was arrested on April 16 after detectives from the Fontana Sheriff’s Station linked her to the theft of hundreds of mail pieces containing stolen identification, Social Security cards, credit cards, and EBT cards.
The investigation began on March 10, when a witness spotted a woman using a stolen U.S. Postal Service master key to access a community mailbox in the Rosena Ranch neighborhood. The suspect fled in a white 2022 Dodge Charger, and the witness documented the license plate.
Detectives confirmed the car was a rental and used surveillance footage and other evidence to identify Sandoval as the suspect. She was located and arrested at her home, where deputies also discovered she was out on bail for a separate identity theft case.
A search of Sandoval’s residence uncovered a significant haul of stolen materials, including:
Several hundred pieces of mail
Dozens of stolen credit cards, EBT cards, and Social Security cards
Multiple forms of identification
The stolen USPS master key
A court-authorized search of her phone allegedly revealed hundreds of photos linked to identity fraud, suggesting a broader pattern of criminal activity. Investigators say she used the stolen credit cards to make purchases throughout San Bernardino County.
Sandoval was booked into the West Valley Detention Center, where she is being held without bail.
“Investigators believe there are additional thefts and victims related to Sandoval,” the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said. They have released images of Sandoval and the suspect vehicle to help identify further victims.
Anyone with information or who believes they may have been targeted is encouraged to contact Detective Pedersen at 909-356-6767.
