Monday, December 12, 2011

Holiday Mail Theft Suspects Arrested

Arrested: Dustin A. Stacks 21 year of age male, Richland resident

Arrested: Brittany E. Tilton 21 year of age female, Richland resident

Members of the Richland Police Department had received reports of FedEx and UPS mail packages being stolen from residences in Richland. The victims were expecting packages, but when the packages did not arrive on their delivery date, theft reports were made to the police.

At one of the victim’s residences an empty box, from another mail theft victim, was left with a receipt inside that led to the identification of one of the suspects, Dustin A. Stacks. Stacks admitted to stealing packages along with his girlfriend, Brittany Tilton. The suspects admitted to stealing approximately 12 packages, between Richland and West Richland, over the last two weeks.

On 12/10/11, at approx. 0225 hrs., members of the Richland Police Department Street Crimes Unit (SCU) assisted patrol officers execute a search warrant in the 1600 block of Van Giesen St. The warrant was in reference to the packages that had been stolen. Stolen property, suspected narcotics and several items of mail were found inside the residence.

Both suspects were booked into the Benton County jail on felony Theft charges (Second Degree Theft). The incident has been referred to the Benton County Prosecutor's office for review as well.

If you’ve been a victim of mail theft, or had a package stolen from your residence, call the Richland Police Department at (509) 628-0333.

For additional information, contact Cpt. Mike Cobb at 509-942-7362

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Suspect Arrested in Richland Forgery and ID Theft Case

Arrested: Wilkinson, Justin; 33 year of age male, Richland Resident
Charges: Forgery, ID Theft

Suspect: Vinson, Stephanie; 40 year of age female, Richland Resident

On 11-30-11 members of the Richland PD Street Crimes Unit (SCU) began investigating a fraud case. Two subjects, later identified as Wilkinson and Vinson, had used a counterfeit check to purchase a gift card at the Les Schwab tire store on Stevens Drive. The gift card was later used to purchase tires. Information was developed that led SCU officers to contact Wilkinson and Vinson at Wilkinson's Richland apartment.

As officers made contact, they found Wilkinson and Vinson engaged in producing counterfeit checks. They detained the two and applied for a search warrant. A search of the premise resulted in the recovery of counterfeit checks (drawn on personal accounts), computers and multiple copies of identities which had been stolen from other people.

After consulting the Benton County Prosecutor's Office, Wilkinson was booked into the Benton County jail. Vinson will have her involvement reviewed and a charge determination made at a future date.

For additional information, contact Capt. Mike Cobb at 509-942-7362.