Glendora detectives and investigators with the U.S. Postal Service conducted an investigation Sept. 1 into recent mail thefts in the city, leading to the arrest of a man and woman seen by officers taking a package from a home.
Venessa Marquez, 33, and Bryan Barajas, 34, both from Victorville, were arrested and found with multiple pieces of stolen mail, identity theft profiles and burglary tools inside their stolen car along with methamphetamine and a male teen occupant.
Victims of these thefts are from Glendora, Azusa and Monrovia.
The investigation began after a reported rash of recent thefts from mailboxes in town, said Lt. Rob Lamborghini of Glendora Police.
Detectives had a package under observation at a residence in the 500 block of North Glendora Avenue. Marquez and Barajas stole the package and drove away but were soon after intercepted by police, Lamborghini said.
Officers later learned both suspects also visited area retail stores using the stolen information to commit identity theft.
“These two are responsible for a lot of mail, package and similar thefts in the Glendora area,” Lamborghini said.
The Passat was reported stolen out of Hemet and was eventually recovered, Lamborghini said.
Marquez and Barajas were booked at the Glendora jail on suspicion of grand theft, identity theft, possession of stolen property and conspiracy to commit a crime. Marquez’s bail was enhanced at the request of officers to $1 million.
Barajas was eventually transferred to the Inmate Reception Center in Los Angeles due to medical issues and is being held without bail, Lamborghini said.
Marquez and Barajas are scheduled for an appearance at the West Covina Courthouse September 3.
Detectives are working to contact everyone affected. Anyone who may be a victim is asked to call the Glendora Police Department at (626) 914-8288.
