FOLSOM — An ongoing investigation into a series of mail thefts in Folsom led to the early-morning arrest of three suspects Saturday and the recovery of a stolen vehicle, according to the Folsom Police Department.
Officers said they have been closely monitoring early-morning activity around community mailboxes as reports of mail thefts have increased in recent weeks. As part of the investigation, detectives deployed multiple technology-based alert systems designed to notify officers of suspicious activity before it is observed by residents.
Just after 3 a.m. on Jan. 17, officers received an alert that led them to the area of Empire Ranch Road and Broadstone Parkway. There, officers contacted two men and a woman inside a vehicle. Following a traffic stop and investigation, officers determined the group was responsible for recent mail thefts in the area.
During the investigation, officers recovered stolen mail, credit cards, keys commonly used to access cluster mailboxes, and drug paraphernalia. Police also determined the vehicle being used by the suspects had been reported stolen and was displaying switched license plates.
All three suspects were taken into custody. Detectives said the recovered mail will be inventoried and documented, with unopened items returned to the United States Postal Service for delivery. Victims whose identities are believed to have been compromised will be contacted directly by investigators.
Police identified the suspects as Lucero Gonzalez, 38, of Sacramento; Tou Lor, 32, of Sacramento; and Shawn Vang, 33, of Sacramento. All three were booked on charges of mail theft, identity theft, possession of burglary tools, and conspiracy to commit a crime. Vang was additionally charged with auto theft, while Gonzalez also faces a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.
Folsom police emphasized that mail theft remains a persistent problem nationwide and often escalates during tax season, when sensitive personal and financial information is more frequently sent through the mail.
“Mail theft continues to be a serious issue, especially during tax season when thieves are targeting information that can be used for identity fraud,” the Folsom Police Department said. “We strongly encourage residents to pick up their mail daily, arrange for mail to be collected or held when away from home, and take advantage of tools like USPS Informed Delivery to quickly identify missing mail before it becomes a larger problem.”
Police also urged residents to report suspicious activity near community mailboxes, including unfamiliar vehicles or unusual behavior, by contacting Folsom Police Dispatch at (916) 355-7231. Officers said early reporting can help prevent additional thefts and reduce the risk of identity-related crimes.
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