SACRAMENTO, CA – Michele Reyes Serrano, 35, of Sacramento, is headed to federal prison for more than five years after being sentenced for a brazen scheme to steal identities and defraud banks. U.S. District Judge Morrison C. England Jr. handed down a sentence of five years and eleven months for bank fraud and attempted bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and possession of stolen U.S. mail. The case, a grim reminder of the pervasive threat of identity theft, highlights a network of criminals preying on unsuspecting citizens.
According to court documents, Serrano, along with her husband and co-defendant Raleigh Figueras, 35, systematically pilfered personal and financial information from stolen mail between June 1, 2015, and January 21, 2016. They weren’t just looking for addresses; they were after bank account numbers, credit cards, and checks – the keys to unlocking victims’ financial lives. The pair then allegedly used this stolen information to fund a shopping spree at the expense of banks and their customers. Surveillance footage from Sacramento-area Target and Wal-Mart stores reportedly captured the duo cashing checks and making purchases with ill-gotten gains.
A raid of the couple’s residence on January 21, 2016, uncovered a treasure trove of stolen mail and counterfeit identification documents, including the personal details of at least one victim. Serrano admitted to regularly stealing U.S. mail, fueling the operation. Figueras previously pleaded guilty on February 9, 2017, and faces sentencing on July 13, 2017. This isn’t an isolated incident. Federal authorities announced several other guilty pleas in related cases today, painting a picture of a widespread pattern of mail theft and identity theft in the Sacramento area.
Also pleading guilty were Orangevale residents Patricia Ann Anchondo, 38, and Angel Marie Galvin, 27, to charges of bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and possession of stolen U.S. mail. Anchondo also admitted to possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Authorities say between March 23, 2016, and November 17, 2016, the pair stole mail and used the stolen information to open fraudulent credit card accounts and take over existing bank accounts. A search of their residence revealed stolen mail, victim profiles, church bank records, and numerous identification documents. They even allegedly exploited a local church’s bank account to keep fraudulent credit lines open for further exploitation. Galvin confessed to driving to multiple counties to steal mail, while both admitted to using the stolen information to open accounts and purchase gift cards for resale.
In a separate case, Shellby Moore, 29, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft and possession of methamphetamine. Moore, along with co-defendant Trevor Lichnock-Gembe, 28, of Sacramento, allegedly obtained stolen mail and used the information to open checking and savings accounts, then deposited stolen and counterfeit checks. Surveillance footage captured them opening accounts, making phony deposits, and even breaking into apartment complex mailboxes. The investigation, led by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, underscores the importance of protecting mail and being vigilant against identity theft.
“Postal Inspectors worked closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partners in law enforcement to arrest and prosecute those individuals responsible for thefts of mail and Identity theft crimes committed against the public,” stated San Francisco Division Inspector in Charge Rafael Nunez. Anchondo is scheduled to be sentenced on May 25, 2017, and Galvin on May 18, 2017. The cases serve as a harsh warning: stealing mail and exploiting identities carries serious consequences, and federal authorities are actively pursuing those who engage in these crimes. The cases are 2:16-cr-045 MCE, 2:17-cr-037 TLN, 2:17-cr-035 MCE, and 2:16-cr-147 MCE.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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