La Pine couple facing mail theft charges

A Christmas Eve raid on a La Pine couple’s home has led to mail theft and other charges against the pair, accused of stealing Christmas gifts and other items from mailboxes in the La Pine area in recent weeks, deputies said Saturday.

Over the past few weeks, the sheriff’s office has taken numerous reports of mail theft in the area, at addresses along Fifth Street, Twin Drive and other locations, said a news release prepared by sheriff’s Sgt. Ronny Dozier and Deputy Kyle Joye.

They said deputies were able to gather enough evidence to apply for and execute a search warrant, leading to the raid that took place the evening of Dec. 24 on the home of Randy Wise, 51, and his wife, Angela Wise, 34.

During that search, deputies recovered several items of stolen mail, including several Christmas gifts that were recovered and, after processing, returned to the victims, deputies said.

The couple are charged with mail theft, conspiracy to commit mail theft, second- and third-degree theft, endangering the welfare of a minor and drug possession, deputies said, adding that U.S. Postal Service officials also have been notified about the case.

Randy Wise already was in custody, and remains held without bail on a probation violation, so additional charges were filed against him, deputies said. Angela Wise was released on her own recognizance early on Christmas Day, jail records showed.