Mail Thieves Arrested with Help from Resident’s GPS

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Because of mail thefts that had occurred in the area, a Keno resident decided to install a GPS tracking device in a decoy package, and then left the package in a mailbox to see what would happen.

On Wednesday, December 26, 2018 at about 11:00 pm, the resident contacted Klamath 911 and advised dispatchers that the GPS-armed decoy package had been taken and was transmitting its whereabouts as it traveled towards Klamath Falls. Klamath County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded and conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that was subsequently confirmed to be in possession of the stolen package.

In the vehicle were Klamath County residents Leah Withrow, Kameron Rivas and their infant child. Withrow and Rivas admitted to stealing the package; they were unware of the GPS tracking device. Rivas was arrested and lodged at the Klamath County Jail. Withrow was cited to appear at the Klamath County Circuit Court and released to care for her infant child.

Numerous other pieces of mail were found in the vehicle with addresses in both Klamath and Jackson counties. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office was advised and is assisting in the investigation.

Since October 2018, Rivas and Withrow have been arrested, charged and are suspects in numerous other crimes in Klamath County, investigated by both the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office and the Klamath Falls Police Department.

Charges consist of:

  • Aggravated Identity Theft,

  • Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card,

  • Possession of Methamphetamine,

  • Mail Theft,

  • Forgery I,

  • Forgery II,

  • Theft I,

  • Theft II,

  • and Theft III.

Rivas and Withrow commonly drive a green 2002 Toyota RAV4 with California license plates. If you see this vehicle in or around your mailbox, please contact law enforcement immediately.

The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office extends its gratitude to the resident who contacted 911 about the moving stolen package; rather than take matters into their own hands, they involved law enforcement, which was the right decision. The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office reminds people to remain vigilant and properly secure residences, outbuildings, vehicles and mailboxes.

Press release provided from Klamath County Sheriff’s Office.

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