During the month of April 2020, the Sheriff’s Gang Unit and Headquarters Investigations Bureau began an investigation regarding thefts occurring from mailboxes and residences in the Oxnard beach communities. Throughout the investigation, detectives identified a theft crew involved in the theft of mail, mail packages, identity theft, and forgery. (S) Brandie Macias, (S) Jorge Garcia, and (S) Javier Rincon were contacted by officers with the Sheriff’s Gang Unit in May 2020, during a traffic enforcement stop. Numerous items of stolen property, documents pertaining to identify theft, and check forging documents, and narcotics were recovered from the vehicle driven by the three suspects. All three suspects were arrested and released for narcotics and identity theft related charges.
On May 27, 2020, detectives served a search warrant in 1400 block of Casa San Carlos, in the city of Oxnard related to the forgery, fraud, and thefts. During the service of the search warrant detectives seized numerous items of stolen mail, stolen mail packages, stolen license plates, personal and business checks, forged checks, identity theft documents, personal identifying information of numerous other individuals, blank checks, and printer.
During the service of the search warrant detectives saw (S) Brandie Macias driving her vehicle near her residence. A traffic enforcement stop was conducted on Macias and her passenger (S) Vanessa Zuniga. Additional items of stolen property, mail theft, and identity theft were located inside the vehicle. Both subjects were arrested and booked at the Ventura County Main Jail on Identity Theft, Forgery, Possession of Stolen Property, and Conspiracy charges.
Throughout the investigation, detectives learned the theft crew was not only stealing items of personal property, but also mail, checks, and personal identifying information to be used to further falsify the identity of others in order to obtain credit and money. The investigation revealed there were victims in Ojai, Oxnard, Ventura, Camarillo, Simi Valley, and also victims from Los Angeles County. Detectives are actively working this investigation to identify additional victims and suspects involved in this theft crew.
The Sheriff’s Office is asking Ventura County residents to be diligent in reporting suspicious persons who may be casing vehicles and residences in an attempt to unlawfully take personal property. Residents are also encouraged to lock their vehicles and secure their residences in order to help prevent these crimes from occurring. Residents should also be mindful of packages delivered to their residences and attempt to secure the packages inside as soon as possible to prevent further theft.
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