UPDATE: In a shocking crackdown, Sonoma County deputies have just uncovered a massive stash of stolen mail linked to over 90 victims at a home in Boyes Hot Springs. This urgent investigation, which began amid rising reports of mail theft in the area, has revealed evidence of a sophisticated identity theft operation.
On November 13, 2023, deputies executed a search warrant at a residence on the 800 block of Boyes Boulevard. Inside, they discovered stolen credit cards, checks, and other mail, painting a disturbing picture of organized crime. The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office confirmed these findings, emphasizing the serious nature of the crimes involved.
Authorities have arrested two suspects in connection with this case. One of them, Keny Castaneda-Tellez, faces a range of charges, including identity theft, credit card theft, and child cruelty. He remains in custody, with bail set at $50,000. The second suspect, Eriberto Bejines, was arrested earlier on November 10, 2023, on similar charges but has since been released. Bejines was also found with narcotics and drug paraphernalia accessible to a minor, raising further concerns about the environment in which these crimes occurred.
As this investigation continues, local prosecutors are preparing to review the substantial evidence gathered by the sheriff’s office. If elements of mail theft or identity fraud are confirmed, they may coordinate with federal authorities, as mail theft is a federal crime that carries severe penalties, including significant fines and prison time.
The sheriff’s office urges residents to remain vigilant. If you suspect that your mail or financial information has been compromised, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service recommends filing a complaint online and contacting your bank to freeze accounts and dispute unauthorized charges. Officials advise using services such as USPS hold mail or signature confirmation for sensitive deliveries, monitoring financial activity closely, and reporting any damaged or tampered mail to local authorities.
The investigation is still ongoing, with detectives actively following leads and working to identify additional victims. Residents are encouraged to share any information that could aid the investigation. The rapid development of this case highlights the importance of community awareness in stopping identity theft and mail fraud.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
