A months-long investigation into mail theft in Valencia has ended with an arrest.
The case began with a report of mail theft in Valencia.
Detectives spent months working to identify the woman, eventually developing additional evidence tying her to the July incident. That effort led them to serve the search warrant on Oct. 22 at a Valencia residence, where they say they recovered pepper spray, ammunition, mail belonging to other people, identification belonging to other people, and a credit-card reader. Investigators believe some of the recovered materials may be associated with check alteration.
Charges Include Both Misdemeanors and a Felony
The woman arrested, identified as Kali Draves, 40, faces misdemeanor charges of battery and mail theft, along with felony charges of being a felon in possession of tear gas and ammunition, the sheriff’s station said. The department identified Draves as a convicted felon. California law generally allows people to purchase, possess or use tear gas or a tear-gas weapon for self-defense, subject to specific legal requirements, according to California Legislative Information — restrictions that do not apply to someone barred from possession due to a prior felony conviction.
The sheriff’s station said it will continue pursuing those who commit crimes in the community and working to hold them accountable. Beyond the charges and the items recovered during the search, the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station’s post did not provide additional details about the case, including where in Valencia the search warrant was served.
A Separate 2024 Report Went Unconfirmed
In July 2024, The Signal reported mail theft in Valencia.
A Regional Pattern of Mailbox Crime and Fraud
Mail theft and the fraud it can enable have drawn attention elsewhere in California. The FBI has warned that fraudsters may use check washing or other check “cooking” techniques to alter stolen checks or create counterfeits, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Confrontations between residents and suspected mail thieves have also turned violent in other parts of Southern California. In Studio City, a confrontation with an alleged mail thief at an apartment complex involved pepper spray and a knife, with Los Angeles police officers and paramedics responding to a reported stabbing at around 11 p.m., according to NBC Los Angeles. Farther north, a Sunnyvale investigation led to two arrests and the recovery of more than 80 pounds of suspected stolen mail, with authorities linking the haul to community mailboxes across six Bay Area cities.
