Michael Murillo and Priscilla DeLeon
MORENO VALLEY – Two suspects were arrested with a large amount of stolen mail from across the city of Moreno Valley.
Deputies from the Riverside Sheriff’s Department in Moreno Valley observed a stolen vehicle while on patrol on May 19, 2016, about 8:45 p.m. The vehicle was driving in the area of Ironwood Boulevard and Heacock Avenue. Upon recognizing the car as stolen, deputies attempted to stop the vehicle which failed to yield.
Deputies pursued the vehicle as it sped away and noted that the passenger was tossing pieces of torn paper out of the window. Eventually, the vehicle pulled over in the area of Cottonwood Avenue and Moreno Beach Drive.
Deputies detained the driver, Michael Murillo (30) from Moreno Valley, and the passenger Priscilla DeLeon (28) years old from Moreno Valley. According to a press release, the deputies immediately recognized DeLeon as a suspect in previous mail theft and identity theft cases.
While searching the vehicle, the officers found what was reported as an “abundant amount of stolen mail” within in a backpack. The mail had been delivered to various locations in the city of Moreno Valley.
The deputies then searched for the pieces of mail DeLeon had scattered during the pursuit, discovering evidence of numerous victims’ personal information which could be used for identity theft. Both suspects were arrested. DeLeon reportedly had four felony warrants for identity theft and possession of stolen property from previous crimes.
Michael Murillo was booked into Riverside County Jail for a probation violation, possession of a stolen vehicle, and possession of stolen property. Priscilla DeLeon was booked into Riverside County Jail for two counts of identity theft and possession of stolen property. Investigators are continuing the investigation to locate additional victims.
