Major Mail Theft Ring Busted In Santa Clara, 12 Arrested: Police

SANTA CLARA, CA — A dozen people face criminal charges after authorities in Santa Clara allege they were part of a major crime ring that specialized in mail theft and fraud.

According to the Santa Clara Police Department, the investigation began with a report of mail theft at a building on Hillebrant Place in the early morning hours of Aug. 5. Detectives looked into the incident over the following week and reviewed surveillance footage that showed a person fleeing the area in a black Lexus.

Investigators found the vehicle and pulled over the driver, calling in assistance from the San Jose Police Department, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Regional Auto Theft Task Force. Police said further investigation revealed two "fraudulently rented apartments" that served as the headquarters for a widescale criminal operation.

Last week, detectives served search warrants in Santa Clara and San Jose. Nine of the suspects were detained at the San Jose property, and an apartment complex in Santa Clara led police to the remaining three suspects and a cache of evidence, police said.

According to investigators, a search of the apartment turned up large amounts of stolen mail and postal keys, a Postal Service mail uniform, drugs packaged for sale, drug paraphernalia, body armor, stolen ID cards, checkbooks, passports, license plates and other sensitive documents.

Police said all 12 suspects were arrested on outstanding felony warrants and will face other charges related to stolen property, drugs, fraud and resisting arrest.

Investigators have identified the suspects as:

1. Ngoai Nguyen, 42, of Hayward
2. Melizza Hufana, 43, of San Jose
3. Raquel Tendencia, 34, of Fremont
4. Lim Vo, 30, of San Jose
5. Sean Finn, 43, of San Jose
6. Paolo Bartido, 39, of San Jose
7. Glenn Nguyen, 32, of San Jose
8. Vu Thi, 38, of San Jose
9. Dary Pech, 41, of San Jose
10. Christie Entac, 33, of San Jose
11. Eun Chong, 34, of San Jose
12. Tiffany Terada, 42, of San Jose

Anyone with information that could be relevant to the investigation can contact detectives in Santa Clara at 408-615-4818.