Two men were arrested following a multi-agency investigation into a series of mail thefts and “check washing” incidents across the Verde Valley and northern Arizona over the past several weeks.
According to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began after residents reported that outbound mail, specifically checks written to pay bills, had been stolen. Working with USPS Postal Inspectors, investigators determined the suspects used a sticky rod to “fish” mail out of blue postal collection boxes.
Once they had the mail, the suspects “washed” the checks using chemicals to erase the original ink. This allowed them to rewrite the payee names and dollar amounts before cashing them at local banks.
So far, investigators have identified at least 15 victims in the immediate area, with potentially more being discovered from other areas. Detectives determined the crime spree extended across northern Arizona, linking similar incidents in Flagstaff, Sedona, Rimrock, Camp Verde, Cornville, Prescott Valley, and Cottonwood.
The spree ended this week thanks to alert staff at a bank in Cottonwood. An employee recognized an altered check, stalled the individuals, and alerted police. Cottonwood PD officers responded rapidly, taking one suspect into custody at the bank; the second suspect was located and arrested shortly after.
The suspects are identified as 28-year-old Francisco Hernandez and 38-year-old Raul Rodriguez, both from California. Both are also suspected of committing similar crimes in California.
During interviews, the suspects admitted they targeted the Verde Valley specifically because they believed it was quiet and local law enforcement would not catch them.
Both men were arrested and charged with Fraud Schemes, along with numerous counts of Theft and Forgery.
The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who recently mailed checks that have not yet cleared or reached their intended recipient to review their bank statements immediately for unauthorized activity.
If you believe you are a victim of this scheme, contact your local law enforcement agency.
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