Benton County Sheriff’s Office Successfully Concludes Their ‘Porch Pirate’ Operation
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of a joint operation with the United States Postal Service. The campaign targeted ‘porch pirates,’ which are individuals involved in the theft of packages from neighborhoods. This operation, conducted from November 27, 2023, to December 23, 2023, was a crucial part of an ongoing commitment to combat property crimes and ensure the safety of the community.
Over the course of four weeks, a total of 24 decoy packages equipped with GPS tracking devices were placed on doorsteps in neighborhoods and businesses identified as hotspots for recent package thefts. This innovative use of technology, coupled with surveillance and community collaboration, led to the arrest of three individuals:
- Jerry Michael Wells (34) of Corvallis, faces charges of Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree, Theft in the Second Degree, and Mail Theft.
- Roxanne Martinez (64) of Albany, faces charges of Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree, Theft in the Second Degree, and Mail Theft.
- Kayla Marie Kidd (30) of Keizer, faces charges of Mail Theft, Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree, Attempting to Elude, Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle, two counts of Theft in the Second Degree, and Reckless Driving.
The success of this operation is a testament to our commitment to employing advanced strategies and technologies in law enforcement. The use of GPS tracking not only led to these arrests, but also serves as a deterrent to those considering similar criminal activities.
The partnership with the United States Postal Service Inspectors was instrumental in the success of this operation. Their assistance and resources enhanced BCSO’s capabilities, demonstrating the power of inter-agency cooperation in law enforcement.
BCSO is thankful to the residents of Benton County for their participation in this operation. Their engagement and cooperation were key elements in the effectiveness of this initiative. This operation is a clear example of the positive outcomes that can be achieved when law enforcement and the community work together towards a common goal.
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office is committed to continuing collaborative efforts and employing new approaches to ensure the safety and security of our community. They would also like to encourage residents to stay watchful and report any suspicious activities.
For more information, please contact Detective Doug Seirup at 541-766-6061 or doug.seirup@bentoncountyor.gov.