Menifee woman arrested with stolen vehicle, mail, police say

A Menifee woman arrested Thursday was in possession of a stolen vehicle and stolen mail, according to authorities.

Joleen Velky, 58, was taken into custody after Sheriff's deputies responded about 6 p.m. to an anonymous report of illegal activity in the 27000 block of Stagewood Street in Menifee, according to a news release. A stolen vehicle was recovered at the residence along with evidence of mail theft and identity theft.

Velky was booked into the Southwest Detention Center. Detectives are continuing the investigation. Anyone with additional information is asked to call Officer Sivilay or Detective Trudeau at 951-
210-1000, or by email at PerrisStation@RiversideSheriff.org.

This arrest was the latest in a series of arrests by police in recent weeks of individuals found in possession of stolen mail. Mayor Neil Winter announced at Wednesday's City Council meeting that the Sheriff's Department has formed a special task force to address the issue. He also reported that the Menifee Post Office has received 80 new cluster mailboxes that are considered much more difficult to penetrate by thieves.

According to Winter, the local Post Office received $100,000 in federal funding to pay for the boxes so there is no cost to residents. They will be installed within the next week to replace damaged boxes, he said.