Man and woman, suspects in Folsom mail thefts, released due to coronavirus

Folsom Police discovered an extensive mail and identity theft operation this month that was allegedly orchestrated by two people. But both were released from jail because of the coronavirus pandemic.

On May 10, Folsom police officers found suspects Desiree Sanchez, 26, and Richard Waters, 27, of Martinez, allegedly in possession of hundreds of pieces of stolen mail from Folsom residents. Officers also found manufacturing equipment and a stolen car.

“The investigation revealed Sanchez purchased the vehicle using a victim’s stolen information, and that she used the same victim’s stolen information to buy a second vehicle, a Honda Accord,” the department said in a news release.

Sanchez and Waters were arrested and booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on suspicion of auto theft, identity theft, possession of stolen property and conspiracy to commit a crime. But both were later released from the jail.

Sanchez is on formal probation for identity theft and Waters is on parole for robbery. Officers made a request to have Sanchez’ probation revoked, but their request was denied, the department said. Waters’ parole officer placed a hold on him.

Three days after their arrest, Sanchez was contacted by officers in Pittsburg while driving the stolen Honda Accord. She was arrested a second time on suspicion of being in possession of a stolen vehicle. Officers found more stolen mail from Folsom in the car.

“Due to a recent Covid-19 case at the Martinez Main Jail in Contra Costa County, Sanchez was issued a citation for the felony and released from the scene,” according to the release.

Folsom police tried again to have Sanchez’ probation revoked, but her probation officer did not return their calls, the department said.

On May 18, Sanchez and Waters were arrested again - along with a man identified as Roger Joseph, 28, of Pittsburg - after El Dorado Hills residents saw three people driving a black Audi and stealing mail. The incident was reported to the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, and deputies later found the vehicle contained six paper shopping bags filled with stolen mail from the El Dorado Hills area.

Sanchez, Waters and Joseph were booked into the El Dorado County Jail

“Sanchez and Waters both provided fake names to deputies during their arrest,” according to the release. “Their true identities were discovered during the booking process at the jail. A request was made to Sanchez’s probation officer and Waters’ parole officer to place holds on them, but both were denied. A bail enhancement was requested and denied.”

On May 18, Sanchez, Waters and Joseph were released.

Further investigation revealed Sanchez is being investigated in connection to alleged crimes by eight different law enforcement agencies in California, including the Sacramento Police Department, according to the Folsom Police Department.

Chief Rick Hillman of the Folsom Police Department expressed frustration at the release of Sanchez and Waters, saying, “This is yet another example of criminals taking advantage of the system. Desiree Sanchez and Richard Waters should be in jail rather than free to roam and victimize our residents.”

He urged residents to take steps to protect themselves from this crime by checking their mailboxes daily and emptying them.

This story was originally published May 22, 2020 at 12:50 PM.