Tips lead to capture of prolific mail, identity thieves in King County

CAPTURED April 17, 2015 --  Everett Police and U.S. Postal Inspectors arrested accused prolific mail thieves Letreesha Gaona and Vadim Parygin Friday night thanks to tips from concerned citizens. They were wanted on federal warrants and by King County Sheriff’s Detectives for multiple cases of fraud and identify theft. FUGITIVES WANTED IN KING COUNTY April 3, 2015 --  A single, hard-working mother ripped off by mail thieves, her identity stolen right when she was getting ready to buy a house. Her life on hold while detectives say the crooks continue to find new victims. But this time detectives know who they're looking for and one call from you can put a stop to their life of crime. Melissa Camp's sense of trust has been stolen. 'It`s turned my life upside down, it makes me extremely fearful. It started when I didn`t get my paycheck in October and thankfully I immediately contacted my employer and we stopped payment on the check." Detectives say Letreesha Gaona tried to cash it at a bank and even had Melissa’s Social Security number. “I still don`t know how they got all my other information,” Melissa says.

King County Sgt. Stan Seo says Gaona is working with Vadim Parygin. “Essentially they’ve been stealing mail, taking mail, either stealing personal information or other types of credit cards and other cash-active devices in order to forge and conduct all these crimes that are hitting people. So far, investigators say they've traced well over $100,000 in fraud to them. Sgt. Seo says, “Looking at Gaona’s booking photo then looking at her Department of Licensing photo in comparison, obviously she’s more than likely abusing some type of drug and using the mail thefts and the identity thefts and the cashing of the checks and the stealing of identities in order to support those habits.” The pair of prolific identity thieves are ruining people's credit and stealing their money. 'It just shows you how slick and affective these folks are at what they`re doing,’ says Sgt. Seo. Detectives believe they could have hundreds, if not thousands of victims just like Melissa camp. “These people need to be stopped and if there`s anything I can do to help that then I will do that,” she says. Sgt. Seo adds, “It`s cases like this where we and the public can really make a difference by helping us put these two criminals behind bars, career criminals if you will.” Both have felony warrants for their arrest. King County detectives believe they are likely motel hopping in the south Federal Way or Tukwila area or along Highway 99 in Shoreline or Lynnwood. If you spot them or know where they are, call an anonymous tip into: CRIME STOPPERS: 1-800-222-TIPS You must call the Crime Stoppers hotline with your tip to be eligible to receive a cash reward for information leading to a fugitive’s arrest. CLICK HERE for information on how to TEXT A TIP to Crime Stoppers.