SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — A woman was sentenced in a federal courtroom Wednesday for stealing mail from nearly 120 San Diegans and cashing stolen checks at banks.
Marie Crystal Mays, 33, was sentenced to four years in prison for conspiring to steal mail from residents, including in the Rancho Peñasquitos area, and defrauding banks in order to cash the stolen checks, according to the Office of the United States Attorney Southern District of California.
Prosecutors say the investigation identified at least 119 victims.
Mays pleaded guilty in August 2019 to conspiracy, bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, possession of stolen mail, and possession with intent to unlawfully use five or more identification documents.
As part of her scheme, she stole credit cards, checks, and money orders from mailboxes, authorities say. She then created a bank account in a victim's name, deposited stolen checks, and withdrew money for herself.
A judge also ordered Mays to pay $7,950.66 in restitution to four banks and credit unions.
“The people of San Diego deserve the peace of mind of knowing that when they send or receive mail, thieves won’t steal it from their mailboxes and scavenge for credit cards, checks and personally identifiable information,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “The defendant’s conduct showed a callous and selfish disregard for scores of citizens’ privacy.”
