UPDATE: Authorities have just announced a significant breakthrough in an identity theft investigation in Sonoma County, California. Deputies executing a search warrant at a residence in Boyes Hot Springs uncovered a trove of stolen mail affecting over 90 victims, including credit cards and checks, indicating a highly organized operation.
The search occurred on November 13, 2023, at a home on the 800 block of Boyes Boulevard. Inside, investigators found a staggering collection of stolen items linked to widespread mail theft. This discovery follows a series of reports from residents about missing mail and fraudulent activity in the area, prompting an urgent response from local law enforcement.
Deputies have arrested two suspects in connection with this alarming case. The first, Keny Castaneda-Tellez, faces serious charges including identity theft, credit card theft, and child cruelty. He is currently in custody, with his bail set at $50,000. The second suspect, Eriberto Bejines, was taken into custody on November 10 on similar charges, including possession of stolen property. Bejines had pending narcotics-related warrants at the time of his arrest.
The investigation revealed not only stolen mail but also narcotics and drug paraphernalia accessible to minors, raising further concerns about the suspects’ activities. The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office is actively cataloging the recovered items and working to track how the stolen information has been exploited. Detectives are committed to notifying the victims as they are identified.
Mail theft is a federal offense that carries severe penalties, including potential prison time and hefty fines. In light of this investigation, local prosecutors will evaluate the evidence collected to determine if they will coordinate with federal authorities regarding the identity fraud aspects of the case.
As the investigation continues, authorities urge residents to remain vigilant. If you suspect your mail or financial information has been compromised, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service recommends filing a complaint online and contacting your financial institutions to freeze accounts and dispute unauthorized transactions. Keeping an eye on bank and credit card statements is crucial, as is reporting any tampered mailboxes to local law enforcement.
The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office is appealing to the public for any additional information related to this case. As detectives pursue leads, the urgency of the situation underscores the critical need for community awareness and preventive measures against identity theft.
The investigation remains active, and updates are expected as authorities work diligently to protect residents from further victimization. Stay tuned for more developments in this ongoing case.
