Man Stole USPS Check From Bank In Laguna Beach, Police Say

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — A 45-year-old convicted thief was behind bars Wednesday on suspicion of stealing a federal tax check in Laguna Beach.

Mark Jordan Carpenter was arrested Tuesday and booked on suspicion of grand theft, check fraud, and identity theft, according to the Laguna Beach Police Department.

Carpenter was accused of stealing a check from a U.S. Postal Service mailbox on Ocean Avenue in the city, police said. The check was altered to change the recipient of the money and deposited in Carpenter's account, police alleged.

Carpenter pleaded guilty Feb. 7, 2024, to 36 felony counts that included grand theft, identity theft, driver's license forgery, and making equipment for counterfeit cards. He was on three years of formal probation in that case when he was arrested.