Justin Deger, 28, of Fresno, pleaded guilty to two counts of access device fraud and one count of possession of stolen mail on Friday in federal court.
According to the plea agreement, from Dec. 5, 2018, through March 28, 2019, Deger broke into mailboxes at Fresno area residences. He stole over 2,000 pieces of mail, including 26 credit cards or account access devices.
Hit Stores and Casinos
Deger then activated some of the devices and made unauthorized purchases and cash withdrawals at retailers and casinos totaling thousands of dollars. As part of the plea agreement, Deger agreed to pay full restitution to the victims and forfeiture, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott said.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Fresno Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vincente Tennerelli and Joseph Barton are the prosecutors.
Sentencing Scheduled for May 22
Deger is scheduled to be sentenced on May 22. He faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the fraud counts, and a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the stolen mail.
