Plumas County Mail Theft Suspects Had Mail from As Far Away as Reno, Sheriff’s Office Says
Two people from Plumas County have reportedly been arrested after a search warrant led to the discovery and seizure of stolen mail from several California cities and as far away as Reno, Nevada.
Following a two-week investigation into alleged mail theft and fraudulent credit card use in the Quincy and Portola areas, detectives served a search warrant at a residence in Quincy on Tuesday, October 25, the Sheriff’s Office said in a press release.
At the residence, investigators reportedly confiscated thousands of articles of U.S. mail stolen from Quincy, Sacramento, Oroville, Santa Rosa, and Reno, Nevada, among other places. Investigators believe the residents, identified as Jessica Churchville and Justin Laustrup, had been using credit cards taken from the stolen mail as well as forging personal checks.
A large amount of methamphetamine and evidence of narcotics sales were also found at the home, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Both Churchville and Laustrup were arrested on suspicion of mail theft, possession of stolen property, possession of a controlled substance for sale, and possession of access cards with intent to use.
Though arrests have been made, the investigation remains active as investigators work to sort through the stolen mail and identify victims. Anyone who believes they may have been a victim, or has information relevant to the case, is encouraged to contact both the U.S. Postal Service and the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators are also looking to obtain any surveillance video showing the suspects stealing mail in Quincy. The vehicle used in the alleged thefts is described as a dark blue 2007 Toyota Scion two-door coupe.
Investigators say they also recovered several vote-by-mail ballots and are urging anyone in the county who has not yet received their ballot to contact the Plumas County Elections Office at (530) 283-6129.
