Hemet, CA – On April 23, 2025, at approximately 4:45 a.m., Hemet Police officers responded to the 1300 block of Division Court regarding a report of a suspicious vehicle parked near community mailboxes.
Upon arrival, officers located a tan/gold 1993 Jeep Cherokee parked directly adjacent to the mailboxes. The vehicle was occupied by an adult male, later identified as 42-year-old Naythan Story, who appeared to be unconscious in the driver’s seat while the vehicle was running.
After waking the suspect, officers learned he was on probation and detained him without incident. While speaking with Story, officers observed a lock-picking tool on the ground near the driver’s door and additional suspicious items visible inside the vehicle, including a socket wrench, several access cards not belonging to Story, and a brass key marked “USPS Property.”
A subsequent search of the vehicle and Story’s person revealed the following:
- A clear baggie containing approximately 1.88 grams of a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine.
- Multiple debit and credit cards belonging to individuals other than Story, some of whom confirmed they were victims of recent fraudulent activity.
- A total of 36 access cards (including EBT, debit, credit, and insurance cards) linked to at least 25 different individuals.
- Several hundred pieces of mail, including sensitive financial and government documents, originating from addresses across Hemet, Temecula, Murrieta, Winchester, Menifee, South Gate, Compton, and other areas.
- Four USPS master keys and a modified socket tool believed to be used in mail thefts.
Based on the evidence collected, Naythan Story was arrested and booked on the following charges:
- Possession of stolen property – PC 496(a)
- Possession of burglary tools – PC 466
- Possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) – HS 11377(a)
- Possession of access cards of 10 or more victims – PC 530.5(c)(3)
- Possession of access cards with intent to defraud – PC 484e(d)
The Hemet Police Department’s Investigations Bureau is actively collaborating with the United States Postal Inspection Service to pursue follow-up investigations related to this case.
The Hemet Police Department is committed to protecting our community from identity theft and mail-related crimes. Residents are reminded to report any suspicious activity around mailboxes or vehicles parked in unusual locations. Anyone with additional information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Hemet Police Department at Detective Aguila at 951-765-2423 or paguila@hemetpd.gov
