Mail Heist in Southern California: Duo Pleads Guilty to .7 Million Theft
Two individuals have confessed their involvement in a sprawling scheme that netted them millions by exploiting the vulnerability of Southern California’s mail system. Carlos Corona, 36, and Jose Luis Edeza Jr., 31, pled guilty to a conspiracy that relied on stolen checks and third-party bank accounts, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Modus Operandi of the Mail Theft Scheme
Between October 2020 and August 2023, Corona, Edeza, and their accomplices engaged in a systematic operation to pilfer checks from mailboxes and collection points outside post offices. To expand their reach, they cunningly utilized social media to recruit individuals willing to provide vital information such as bank account numbers, PINs, debit cards, and online banking credentials.
In exchange for their cooperation, the suspects enticed these accomplices with promises of a share in the stolen funds that would be deposited into their accounts. To evade detection, they instructed the account holders to claim account compromises or hacking if bank officials inquired about the suspicious deposits.
The Extent of the Heist
Employing this strategy, the suspects swindled an astonishing .7 million from unsuspecting victims. Their actions breached the trust placed in the postal system, leaving countless individuals vulnerable to financial loss.
Charges and Consequences
Corona and Edeza have each pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. On July 8, they will appear in court for their sentencing hearing. Both individuals face substantial prison sentences: up to 30 years for the bank fraud conspiracy count and a mandatory two-year sentence for the aggravated identity theft count.
Collaborative Investigation
The investigation that led to the arrests was spearheaded by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the IRS Criminal Investigation teams. The Los Angeles Police Department played a supporting role in unraveling the criminal enterprise.
Maintaining Postal Security
The incident highlights the importance of vigilance in safeguarding the postal system’s integrity. The public is urged to remain watchful for suspicious activities around mailboxes and report any irregularities to authorities promptly. By working together, we can deter and combat those who seek to undermine the security and reliability of our essential mail services.
Data sourced from: ktla.com
