The Delano Police department released the following statement:
On 2/2/2016, at about 9:50AM, a Delano Police Patrol Officer was on routine patrol when he observed a vehicle illegally parked within the alleyway near the 2200 Block of Norwalk Street.
Francisco Daniel Ceja, 32 of Delano, was contacted and found to have two active warrants for his arrest.
Ceja was found in possession of several pieces of U.S. Mail that was not addressed to him or his residence of record.
During a search incident to his arrest, Ceja was found in possession of a homemade device resembling a master key that allows unlimited access to the community mailboxes owned by the U.S. Postal Service.
Delano Police Department Detectives assumed the investigation and with the assistance of the Delano Police Department Special Enforcement Detail, a search warrant was served on Ceja’s residence.
Further evidence was located inside the home, located within the 1200 Block of Lewis Street in Delano, which was determined to be illegally obtained from mailboxes within the City of Delano.
The key was tested on numerous U.S. Postal Service community mailboxes and drop boxes, which worked the locking mechanism.
The U.S. Postal Service Inspections office in Bakersfield was contacted, who declined to assume command of the Investigation for prosecution within the Federal Court System.
All of the victims linked to the stolen mail were contacted and the mail is in the process of being returned to them.
