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A recent wave of targeted mail theft exposes the growing problem of criminals targeting personal checks and financial information.Deltona Today
A Hialeah man and woman were arrested on mail fraud charges for an alleged scheme involving stolen checks worth an estimated $47,000. Authorities were able to identify 25 victims in Volusia and Flagler counties after recovering around 40 checks during a traffic stop in Deltona.
Why it matters
Mail theft is a growing problem that can have serious financial and identity theft consequences for victims. This case highlights how law enforcement is using advanced surveillance techniques to track down suspected mail thieves.
The details
On April 3, surveillance video captured a black Nissan Sentra pulling up to a mailbox where the passenger took an envelope containing a personal check. Police used the video and automatic license plate readers to identify the vehicle, which was registered to suspect Yania Gato Romero. Deputies later located the car in a Deltona Publix parking lot and conducted a traffic stop, identifying the driver as Yohan Mayo and the passenger as Gato Romero. During the search, police found approximately 40 checks worth an estimated $47,000, including the victim check that prompted the initial report.
On April 3, surveillance video captured the alleged mail theft incident.On April 3, deputies located the suspects’ vehicle in Deltona and conducted a traffic stop.
The players
Yania Gato Romero
A 40-year-old Hialeah resident who was arrested and charged with mail theft and possession of personally identifying information.
Yohan Mayo
A 36-year-old Hialeah resident who was arrested and charged with mail theft and possession of personally identifying information.
Port Orange Police Department
The law enforcement agency that initially investigated the mail theft incident and issued a ‘be on the lookout’ alert that led to the suspects’ arrest.
Volusia County Sheriff’s Office
The law enforcement agency that located the suspects’ vehicle in Deltona and conducted the traffic stop that led to the recovery of the stolen checks.
U.S. Postal Inspection Service
The federal agency that launched an investigation into the mail theft scheme after being notified by local authorities.
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What’s next
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has launched a federal investigation into the suspects, Yania Gato Romero and Yohan Mayo, for their alleged roles in the mail theft scheme.
The takeaway
This case highlights the growing problem of mail theft and the importance of law enforcement using advanced surveillance techniques to track down suspected mail thieves. It also underscores the significant financial and identity theft risks that victims face when their checks are stolen.