Sacramento Residents Arrested for Alleged Mail Theft, Fraud in Sonoma County
SANTA ROSA, CA — Detectives in Sonoma County have reportedly arrested two suspects in connection with an ongoing mail theft and fraud investigation that began months ago in eastern Santa Rosa.
In a press release, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office reported that the investigation had begun when detectives arrested a woman on multiple felony warrants and discovered evidence of alleged check fraud during the arrest.
This led to the identification of additional suspects, including Anh Phan and Nguyet Nguyen of Sacramento, the sheriff’s office said.
According to authorities, Phan and Nguyen were involved in the manufacturing and distribution of counterfeit U.S. Postal Service mail keys. These keys were allegedly used by suspects to steal mail in the Bay Area and deliver it to Phan.
Phan allegedly used stolen checks and credit and debit cards to commit fraud. Detectives say he created fake identities and forged documents, enabling others to cash checks or use stolen cards before they were canceled.
Authorities say the suspects defrauded hundreds of victims over several years through this operation.
On Thursday, April 17, detectives served search warrants at residences in Sacramento associated with Phan and Nguyen. Authorities recovered hundreds of pieces of stolen mail, personal checks and fraudulently created credit cards.
Both suspects were later arrested at a Sacramento-area casino, where investigators reportedly also seized additional evidence of fraud.
Phan was booked into Sonoma County jail with bail set at $150,000. Nguyen’s bail was set at $100,000.
Both suspects posted bail and are awaiting a future court date, authorities say.
