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Salem man gets 2.5 years in prison for massive mail theft case

Online Niel October 29, 2024

Seven months after police found 30 pounds of stolen mail and fake mailbox keys in his southeast Salem apartment, Ross Sierzega, 34, was sentenced to two years and six months in prison .

Sierzega, along with West Salem resident Brett Regimbal and Keizer resident Jason Lewis Raywere arrested following a two-year mail theft investigation.

Sierzega pleaded guilty to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.

In March, he was arrested and charged with multiple counts, including felon in possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of a short-barreled shotgun, felon in possession of body armor, identity theft, forgery and possession of instruments breaking.

In addition to the mail, police said they and U.S. Postal Service inspectors found two lock cores from community mailboxes, fake mailbox keys and tools to do more, checks, bank cards and financial documents that weren’t on Sierzega’s name.

According to court documents, Sierzega stole mail from a community mailbox and used an 85-year-old man’s debit card to steal $16,000 from his Wells Fargo bank account.

After suspecting mail theft, a Keizer resident examined his neighbor’s surveillance camera and saw a man in a white car open community mailboxes using an unauthorized key and take mail. The man in the surveillance video was later identified as Sierzega, according to court documents.

Federal prosecutors argued that Sierzega should serve two years and 10 months in prison, noting both his harm to the community and his past criminal record for vehicle theft, theft and DUI, as well as his difficult childhood and addiction to methamphetamine , crack and cocaine. fentanyl.

“Prior to his arrest, the defendant wreaked havoc on the local community over the past two years, stealing their mail and identities and using them to engage in fraudulent transactions,” prosecutors said in a sentencing memorandum. “The federal charges in this case are only a snapshot of the defendant’s recent crimes for which charges are pending in state court.”

Regimbal faces charges of mail theft, identity theft and forgery in Polk County Circuit Court, while Ray faces 140 counts of mail theft, grand larceny and forgery charges, also in Polk County.

For questions, comments and news tips, email reporter Whitney Woodworth at [email protected]call 503-910-6616 or follow X at @wmwoodworth