Full Notification

DATE/TIME: December 16, 2017 / 10:27 PM

INCIDENT: Mail Theft / Wanted Federal Probationer

LOCATION: Juniper Street and Second Avenune, Hesperica

SUSPECT(S): Marco Valdovinos, 31-years old, Victorville

VICTIM(S): Numerous victims from Hesperia, Victorville and Apple Valley


SUMMARY: On Saturday, December 16, 2017, at 10:27 pm, Sheriff's Dispatch received a suspicious vehicle call from a good Samaritan who reported seeing a male subject, later identified as Marco Valdovinos, driving an older gold car through the neighborhood going through mailboxes on Bangor Avenue and I Avenue in the City of Hesperia.

The good Samaritan followed Valdovinos and kept Sheriff’s Dispatch updated on his location until responding deputies arrived. Valdovinos noticed he was being followed and tried to lose the good Samaritan by turning off his car lights and fleeing the area. The good Samaritan continued to follow Valdovinos to the area of Juniper Street and Third Avenue, where he stopped his car and fled on foot.

Responding deputies along with Sheriff’s Aviation arrived moments later and searched the area for Valdovinos. Sheriff’s Aviation located Valdovinos hiding in a dirt alley north of Juniper Street. When deputies walked the dirt alley, they located Valdovinos hiding underneath tumbleweeds and detained him without further incident. Valdovinos was also on Federal Probation and was wanted on an outstanding US Marshal's Federal Probation violation warrant for Smuggling Aliens.

A search of Valdovinos gold Toyota Corolla revealed a large amount of U.S. mail and packages from Bangor Avenue and other addresses in the City of Hesperia, City of Victorville and the Town of Apple Valley. Valdovinos was found in possession of numerous, California identifications, social security cards, credit cards, gift cards, passport, vehicle titles, money grams, checks and blank checks belonging to numerous victims from the High Desert area. Valdovinos was also found in possession of suspected methamphetamine.

Valdovinos was arrested PC 484G – Theft by use of Access Cards, PC 530.5(c)(3) – Possessing 10 or more Personal Identifying Information and for his US Marshal Federal Probation violation warrant. Valdovinos was booked at the High Desert Detention Center.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Hesperia Station at (760) 947-1500. Persons who wish to remain anonymous may relay information through We-Tip at (800) 78-CRIME or at wetip.com.

Refer: Sergeant Doug Hubbard

Station: Hesperia Station

Phone No. (760) 947-1500

Case No. 191709991

JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department