Salem felon faces federal charges for mail, ID theft

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A 2-year investigation led to the arrest of a felon on 11 outstanding warrants in Oregon plus 7 new felonies in a mail-and-identity theft case.

Ross Benjamin Sierzega was arrested Monday afternoon in his Salem apartment by police and agents from the US Postal Inspection Service, authorities said Tuesday.

The investigation centered on mail theft and connected crimes in the Salem area over a period of time. When Sierzega was taken into custody, officials searched his apartment and said they found items that link him to the crimes.

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Investigators said they found about 30 pounds of mail, 2 lock cores from mailboxes, several counterfeit mailbox keys and the tools to make counterfeit keys. There were also checks, bank cards and documents not in his name.

They also found a short-barreled shotgun and homemade body armor.

Sierzega, 33, is being held by the US Marshals on federal charges:

Being a felon in possession of a gun, unlawful possession of a short-barreled shotgun, being a felon in possession of body armor, identity theft, forgery, criminal possession of a forged instrument and possession of burglary tools.

Authorities said Sierzega faces up to 10 years in prison for just the manufacture of a counterfeit mail key.

The investigation continues. Officials said the US Postal Inspection Service will process and return the stolen mail.

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