Rocklin Identity Thief Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Melvin Lee Gregory, 33, of Oroville, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Garland E. Burrell Jr. to three years in prison: two years for participating in a bank fraud and identity theft scheme and one year for violating terms of probation, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.

According to court documents, on April 2, 2015, Gregory was released from federal prison after serving a four-year sentence for a previous conviction. Between April 2, 2015, and August 22, 2015, while on probation, Gregory opened a bank account and deposited several forged checks. On August 22, 2015, Gregory was observed attempting to break into and steal U.S. Mail from a Roseville mailbox, and minutes later he successfully stole U.S. Mail from a Rocklin mailbox. When Gregory was arrested by Rocklin Police, he was in possession of stolen U.S. Mail, burglary tools, and stolen identification documents. Gregory pleaded guilty on November 17, 2015.

San Francisco Division Inspector in Charge Rafael Nunez of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service stated: “We are working closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partners in law enforcement to arrest and prosecute those responsible for complex Identity Fraud Schemes and to protect postal customers’ mail and personal information from theft.”

This case was the product of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Rocklin Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Rodriguez prosecuted the case.