A San Bernardino woman has been arrested and accused of extensive mail theft and credit card fraud, according to reports from KTLA and the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. Rachel Sandoval, 40, is said to have unlawfully obtained a U.S. Postal Service master key and used it to unlock a community mailbox in the Rosena Ranch area on March 10.
The surveillance operation, which led to Sandoval's capture, included confirmation that the suspect had been using a rental car, a white Dodge Charger seen at the scene of the crime—a witness managed to take note of the vehicle's license plate, which played a critical part in the development of the case, aided by video evidence and Sandoval's previous involvement in an unrelated identity theft, she was already out on bail for at that time.
Detectives arrested on Wednesday at Sandoval's residence, as detailed in an announcement by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. Upon searching her home, law enforcement officers discovered hundreds of stolen pieces of mail, various forms of identification, and EBT cards, which she allegedly used to make unauthorized purchases throughout San Bernardino County.
The nature of the investigation took a technological turn when authorities served a search warrant on Sandoval’s phone, revealing hundreds of photos seemingly connected with identity theft and fraud, and as the inquiry unfolds, investigators believe that there are more thefts with additional victims linked to this case, they are releasing Sandoval's photo along with that of the suspect vehicle in hopes of gathering more information from the public.
Now booked at the West Valley Detention Center with no opportunity for bail set, Sandoval faces serious charges. The authorities are encouraging anyone with knowledge about these events or those who believe they may be victims to contact Detective Pedersen at 909-356-6767 to assist the ongoing investigation.
