Atwater, CA – On December 11, 2019, at about 2:00am, Deputy Oscar Ochoa was patrolling the area of Gianni Road and Raymond Court in Atwater near the Industrial Area.

Deputy Ochoa saw two subjects walking down the road. Deputy Ochoa recognized one of the subjects from a prior mail theft arrest as, 18-year-old Jessica King.

Deputy Ochoa located a large amount of mail from businesses and residences in the area on King. Deputy Ochoa arrested King and booked her into the Merced County Jail on charges of mail theft and possession of methamphetamine.

During the holiday season, The Merced County Sheriff’s Office sees an increase in the theft of packages and mail.

Sheriff Vern Warnke and The United States Postal Inspection Service would like to offer the following tips on protecting mail from theft during the holiday season:
• Use the letter slots inside your post office for your mail, or hand it to a letter carrier.
• Don’t send cash in the mail.
• Pick up your mail and packages promptly after delivery. Don’t leave it in your mailbox or on your porch overnight. If you’re expecting checks, credit cards, or other negotiable items, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your mail or package.
• If you don’t receive a check or other valuable mail you’re expecting, contact the issuing agency immediately.
• If you change your address, immediately notify your post office and anyone with whom you do business via the mail.
• If you see suspicious activity or people, please contact your local law enforcement and give them detailed information regarding the incident.