Hemet Police Arrest Two Suspects in Separate Mail Theft Cases, Identify 71 Victims
HEMET, CA — The Hemet Police Department has reported two recent arrests in connection with mail theft incidents within the city. The arrests occurred over a two-week period in July and resulted in the recovery of stolen mail, packages, and other items.
The first incident took place on July 15, 2025, at approximately 4:22 a.m., when officers were dispatched to a reported mail theft in progress. Responding officers located a suspect attempting to leave the area on foot. According to the police report, a community mailbox had been opened by force. A white trash bag containing stolen mail and packages was found nearby. The suspect was taken into custody and booked before being transferred to the Riverside County Jail.
A second arrest was made on July 30, 2025, following a report on July 29 of a red pickup truck tampering with mailboxes in the McSweeney Farms community. An investigation led officers to identify a suspect and the vehicle. Early the following morning, officers located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop near State Street and Esplanade Avenue.
A search of the vehicle yielded two large trash bags filled with stolen mail, prescription medication, credit and debit cards, driver’s licenses, and vehicle pink slips. Police also recovered postal keys and makeshift mailbox keys. The suspect reportedly admitted to targeting credit cards for fraud and described the methods used to access the mailboxes. Law enforcement officials have identified at least 71 victims of mail theft. The case has been referred to the U.S. Postal Inspector for consideration of federal charges, as the suspect is a repeat offender.
