Man and Woman from Joplin Charged with Mail Theft, Wire Fraud

A man and woman from Joplin are in custody, accused of stealing residents mail.

Investigators say 27-year-old Aaron Blake and 30-year-old Emily Anna-Lee Sturgis stole checks, credit cards, cash, jewelry and other documents from mailboxes throughout Branson from December of 200 through January of this year.

The two rented a hotel in Carthage where they would hide the stolen mail and objects.

Officers also allege that in stealing the mail, Blake and Sturgis would use personal information from the residence to open credit cards in their name.

Both Blake and Sturgis are charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, three counts of bank fraud, and three counts of possessing stolen mail. Blake is also facing a charge of aggravated identity theft.

The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Clark.