GPS in ‘decoy’ package catches Klamath Co. mail theft suspects

A rash of mail thefts prompted a resident of the Klamath County town of Keno to place a GPS tracking device in a decoy package in a mailbox – and it worked, leading to the arrest of a man and woman who also face charges in numerous other recent mail and ID thefts and other crimes, Klamath County sheriff’s deputies said Thursday.

The resident who placed the decoy package in a mailbox contacted 911 dispatchers late Wednesday night to report the package was transmitting its location as it was being taken toward Klamath Falls, sheriff’s Lt. Randall Swan said.

Deputies stopped a Toyota RAV4 carrying the stolen package and occupied by Klamath County residents Leah Withrow, 20; Kameron Rivas, 25, and their infant child. Swan said they admitted to stealing the package. Rivas was lodged in the county jail while Withrow was cited to appear in court and released to care for their infant.

Numerous other pieces of mail were found in the car, with addresses in Klamath and Jackson counties, Swan said, adding that the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is assisting in the investigation.

The couple also have been arrested, charged and are suspects in numerous other crimes in Klamath County since October, the lieutenant said. They range from theft, mail theft, forgery and ID theft to fraudulent use of a credit card and methamphetamine possession.

Swan said they usually drive a green 2002 Toyota RAV4 with California license plates. He urged anyone who sees that vehicle in or around their mailbox to contact police immediately.

The sheriff’s lieutenant also expressed gratitude to the resident who called 911 about the stolen package on the move. “Rather than tax matters into their own hands, they involved law enforcement, which was the right decision,” Swan wrote in a news release.

The sheriff’s office reminded residents to remain vigilant and properly secure their homes, outbuildings, vehicles and mailboxes.