Two Arrested After Stolen Mail Allegedly Discovered During Traffic Stop in Fire Evacuation Area
Authorities in Calaveras County recently arrested two individuals following the alleged discovery of stolen mail during a traffic stop in a fire evacuation area.
The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office announced in a press release that patrol deputies in the area of Kiva Place and Little John Road in Copperopolis, at the time being evacuated due to a fire, had conducted a traffic stop on a suspicious vehicle on Wednesday, June 19.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the occupants of the vehicle gave suspect accounts of why they were there.
Deputies reportedly discovered that the driver, whom they identified as 38-year-old Joseph Nobriga, had two outstanding warrants — for alleged vehicle theft and possession of stolen property, respectively — out of San Joaquin County.
Deputies also searched the vehicle and allegedly discovered stolen mail from homes in Copperopolis, as well as suspected methamphetamine.
The passenger in the vehicle, initially identified as 31-year-old Mark Nobriga, was found to be on probation out of San Joaquin County, authorities said.
Both were ultimately taken into custody.
Joseph Nobriga was booked on suspicion of driving on a suspended license, entering a disaster area, possession of a controlled substance, and mail theft.
Shortly after Mark Nobriga was booked on similar charges, the Sheriff’s Office reportedly discovered that “Mark” Nobriga was actually Eddy Nobriga.
The Sheriff’s Office alleges that Eddy Nobriga used his brother’s name to prevent the discovery of an outstanding theft warrant out of San Joaquin County.
Eddy Nobriga’s charges were later amended to include allegedly providing a false name to a peace officer and an outstanding warrant, the Sheriff’s Office said.
