April 17, 2023 - San Diego County Sheriff Department officials report that a woman is in custody on suspicion of identity and mail theft.

A deputy with the Fallbrook Sheriff's Substation pulled a car over for having an expired registration on Saturday, April 8 around 4:00 a.m. near the intersection of Tecalote Drive and Pala Lake Drive.

During the traffic stop, a records check revealed the driver had outstanding warrants from Orange and Riverside Counties.

The car was searched after the driver was taken into custody for the outstanding warrants. Hundreds of unused gift cards and stolen mail were found in the car. The stolen mail came from Carlsbad, Fallbrook, Encinitas, Escondido, Ramona, and San Marcos. A ledger documenting gift card barcodes with corresponding access or PIN codes was also found in the car. These gift cards were connected to Walmart, Target, Ralph's, Bath & Body Works, and other VISA gift cards.

Rebecca Stedtfeld was booked into the Vista Detention Facility on the outstanding warrants and several charges of identity theft, conspiracy to commit crime, committing a crime while out on bail and possessing burglary tools.

If you have information about the thefts or think you might be a victim, call the Sheriff's Department non-emergency line at (858) 565-5200. You can remain anonymous and be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward for information that leads to a felony arrest. Call Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.

Source: San Diego County Sheriff Department