PR #:
2024-0419-Two-Arrested-in-Large-Scale-Mail-Theft-Case-Following-Joint-Investigation-by-Washoe-County-Sheriffs-Office-Detectives-and-HIDTA-Task-Force-Members
Date Issued:
Apr 19, 2024 - 12:14PM
For Immediate Release
Two Arrested in Large-Scale Mail Theft Case Following Joint Investigation by Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Detectives and HIDTA Task Force Members
For media inquiries contact:
Sgt. Kristin Vietti
Washoe County Sheriff's Office
Office: 775-328-6336
Cell: 775-895-0027
In a collaborative effort between Washoe County Sheriff’s Office detectives and members of our High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) task force, Michael Gunter, 40, and Laura Adams, 34, have been apprehended on multiple charges related to large-scale mail and identity theft, as well as check fraud.
On April 18,
2024, at approximately 8:00 am, a Washoe County Sheriff’s Office K9 deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by Michael Gunter and Laura Adams in the area of Interstate 80 and Mogul Road. Following a roadside investigation and a positive K9 alert, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were discovered within the vehicle. A further search yielded numerous fraud-related items.
Washoe County Sheriff’s Office detectives were notified and responded to the scene to assist. The continued investigation recovered hundreds of pieces of mail addressed to various individuals, multiple credit cards issued in different names, handmade mail keys, altered checks, burglary tools, and numerous opened and emptied mail packages.
Gunter and Adams were placed under arrest and transported to the Washoe County Detention Facility, where they are currently being held on multiple charges, including possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a credit card without consent, possession of a forged instrument, possession of burglary tools, and obtaining personal information of another.
The investigation into this case remains active and ongoing as Washoe County Sheriff’s Office detectives continue to work diligently to identify additional victims. As the investigation progresses, additional charges may be filed against the suspects.
Investigators urge anyone with information about this case to contact the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division at (775) 328-3320, referencing case number WC24-1911. Information can also be provided anonymously to Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900 or
secretwitness.com.
"Safeguarding the integrity of our community's mail and protecting individuals from identity-related theft are paramount concerns for our office," said Sheriff Balaam. "The impact of such crimes extends far beyond the individual victims, affecting the trust and security of our entire community. I commend the dedication and efforts of the deputies involved in this case. Their commitment to holding accountable those responsible for victimizing our community members is commendable and essential in upholding the safety and well-being of our residents."
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.
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