Stolen mail recovered during arrest of two suspects

Two suspects were arrested last week on suspicion of felony identity theft and fraud charges after a large amount of mail stolen from local cities, including Menifee, authorities said.

Riverside County Sheriff's deputies made the discovery during a probation search at a residence in the 21000 block of Walnut Street in Wildomar about 11 a.m. on Wednesday, according to a news release. Deputies located stolen mail, checks and credit cards belonging to at least 350 victims from Menifee, Hemet, Lake Elsinore, Perris and surrounding cities.

In addition, deputies located more than 50 personal profiles the suspects created, containing the victims' personal information, such as names, date of birth, address and Social Security numbers. It appears the suspects had already used some of these profiles to establish lines of credit in victims' names.

Amanda Gonzales, 33, of Hemet was arrested and booked for various felony identity theft and fraud charges. On Friday, deputies located an additional suspect at a residence in the 21000 block of State Street in San Jacinto. Todd Addision, 44, of Wildomar, was arrested and booked for felony fraud charges and violation probation.

The Sheriff's Department released the following reminder to residents to help guard against mail theft:

Mail theft is a crime of opportunity. Criminals are looking for personal identifying information that can be used in identity theft. Ways to prevent identity theft are to not mail any personal information from unsecured mailboxes. Make sure you pick up your mail promptly after delivery and do not leave outgoing mail in the mailbox overnight. Use the letter slots inside the post office, or hand your mail directly to the mail carrier. Also, make sure to review your credit report at least every 12 months.

According to Menifee Police Chief Brandon Ford, victims whose mail was recovered are notified, but some mail may be kept for an undetermined time as evidence.