In the early morning hours of September 22, 2015, a Lomita patrol deputy effected a traffic stop of a U-Haul rental van. The deputy found the driver to be unlicensed as was the front passenger. The deputy soon discovered two other occupants sleeping in the rear cargo area of the van.
The unlicensed driver investigation quickly evolved into a mail theft investigation when several pieces of stolen mail originating from several addresses within the South Bay area were discovered inside the van. Makeshift devices used to fish mail from postal boxes were also found within the van. At least twenty victims of mail theft and identity theft have since been identified.
On September 24, 2015, six felony counts were filed in Torrance Superior Court on Melanie Hall including identity theft, theft of mail, and forgery. She is currently on probation for forgery. Two misdemeanor counts were filed on Crystal Smith, including identity theft and possession of burglary tools. She also had two felony warrants for receiving stolen property. No formal charges were filed on Stephanie Morales or Karen Perez.
Lomita Sheriff's Station
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
26123 Narbonne Avenue
Lomita, CA 90717
(310) 539-1661
Website: http://www.Lomita.lasd.org
LASD Text & Email (Register at http://www.Nixle.com :
http://local.nixle.com/lasd---lomita-station-los-angeles-county-sheriff/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LomitaSheriffsStation
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LMTLASD
