Cochise County deputies arrested four people Thursday in connection with more than 100 felonies related to mail theft, fraud and drugs, officials said.
Shortly before noon, the Cochise County Sheriff's Office received a report of a woman taking mail out of a mailbox by the Ash Creek School in Apache, before she fled the scene, said department spokeswoman Carol Capas.
Witnesses said that as the woman sped away in a green Toyota, she began throwing some of the mail out the car's window, Capas said.
Deputies in the area conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle matching the description and when they approached the driver, noticed mail in the backseat. A search of the vehicle turned up numerous mail items with names that didn't match the people in the car, as well as checks and credit cards in other names, Capas said.
Four people were arrested and charged with a combined total of 108 felonies. The sheriff's office has identified between 25 and 50 victims based on evidence taken from the car and at the suspects' home.
Hope Kilmer, 17, was arrested in connection with possession of paraphernalia and prescription drugs, tampering with evidence, theft, burglary and possession of burglary tools.
Dennis Kilmer, 53, is facing charges of possession of paraphernalia, possession of dangerous drugs, theft/fraud and theft controlling stolen property.
Loretta Kilmer, 50, was arrested in connection with possession of paraphernalia, possession of dangerous drugs, theft/fraud and theft controlling stolen property.
The Kilmers are all residents of Sunizona.
22-year-old Keith Smother of Cochise County is facing charges of possession of paraphernalia, possession of prescription drugs, tampering with evidence, theft, burglary and possession of burglary tools.
Each suspect is facing multiple counts on many of the charges.
