Tulare police describe multi‑jurisdictional mail‑theft ring; three suspects plead to felony counts

Tulare Police briefed the council on a months‑long investigation into a ring of mailbox thefts that affected Tulare and neighboring jurisdictions. Investigators used license‑plate reader data, surveillance and search warrants to trace a suspect vehicle and recover thousands of stolen mail pieces and tools used to fabricate cards and commit fraud.

“We started getting a rash of mailbox thefts … throughout the entire city,” the presenting officer said. Police seized a vehicle and a set of fabricated mailbox keys and later served search warrants that uncovered numerous stolen items including identification documents, passports, IRS refunds, prescription medications and a card‑press used to make fraudulent debit cards.

The DA filed 16 felony counts including identity theft, mail theft, possession of burglary tools and conspiracy. The three primary suspects accepted pleas and were reported to be serving local custody; police noted that sentencing and prison time are affected by state sentencing and realignment rules.

Council members congratulated the department for their investigative work, and the presentation noted ongoing efforts to reunite recovered property with victims and coordinate with Fresno PD and the postal inspector where thefts spanned jurisdictions. Police also said some cases remain under investigation and staff will continue outreach to victims as mail is identified.

No formal council action was required; council praised the department’s work and discussed probation and sentencing issues raised by the disposition.