Prolific Fresno mail theft suspect could face federal prison, police say

A man police believe is responsible for the theft of thousands of pieces of mail from homes in northwest Fresno is in custody and may face federal charges, Capt. Burke Farrah said Friday.

The suspect was identified as Justin Deger, 28. He is being held in Fresno County Jail on a bail of $210,000.

It’s the second big mail theft reported by authorities this week, following the arrest of two men in Tulare.

Fresno detectives are combing though an estimated 1,500 pieces of mail recovered after Deger was taken into custody at a home where he resided. Included in the items found are bank statements, bills and other parcels that can be used to help steal identities and ruin a victim’s credit, Farrah said.

Detectives also recovered counterfeit cash and even mailboxes that were ripped out of the ground.

“The perception is that police don’t do anything about mail theft,” Farrah said. “Nothing could be further from the truth.”

Deger surfaced on detectives’ radar after he was linked to a vehicle burglary where officers recovered stolen mail, said Sgt. Brian Pierce. Deger was then connected to video that showed the driver of a Ford Mustang opening mailboxes in a neighborhood late at night. Police credit citizens with providing help in the apprehension through the Nextdoor application.

Federal penalties for mail theft are much more severe than the charges Deger would face if he were to be prosecuted on state charges, Farrah said. Police will submit the case to the U.S. Attorney, he added.

Detectives now face the tedious task of going through the recovered mail, although they will receive help from postal inspectors.

Mail recipients do have options to limit their risk of mail and identity theft, authorities say.

One option is to request banks, credit card companies and investment firms to send correspondence online instead of through the postal system.

In addition, informed delivery allows a postal customer to go online to see what mail is being sent to their address.