Pair Arrested At Rohnert Park Motel With Stolen Mail, Drugs: Cops

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — Two parolees were arrested Thursday at a Rohnert Park motel, accused of being in possession of mail stolen from hundreds of victims from Healdsburg to Rohnert Park, a Sonoma County sheriff's spokesperson said Friday.

Nicki Sproul, 32, of Penngrove, was initially spotted at about 11 a.m. Thursday at Motel 6 on Commerce Drive by a detective who knew Sproul had a no-bail warrant for a local parole violation, sheriff's Sgt. Spencer Crum said.

"The detective watched Sproul enter a room on the first floor of the motel and called for backup," Crum said. "As he waited in the parking lot the detective spotted 39-year-old wanted local parolee Jessie Villegas pull up in front of Sproul’s room in a gray Chevrolet Impala."

The detective watched as Villegas knocked on the door of the room and was let in by Sproul, Crum said.

Sheriff's patrol deputies soon arrived and detained Sproul and Villegas as they exited the motel room.

"Upon searching, the deputy found a small amount of methamphetamine and a smoking pipe in Villegas' pocket," Crum said.

Detectives also searched Villegas’ car and the hotel room, where they found two large garbage bags full of what appeared to be mail stolen out of local mailboxes, the sergeant said.

"Included in the mail were numerous checks that appeared to have been washed and made out to Villegas in an apparent attempt to defraud the victims," Crum said.

Villegas and Sproul were both booked into Sonoma County jail on suspicion of possession of stolen property and identity theft.

Villegas was also booked on drug charges, Crum said.

Both remained in custody without bail Friday morning.

Further charges may be added against the pair, as detectives are continuing the investigation, the sergeant said.

The sheriff's office has also begun the arduous task of notifying all the victims, documenting and returning stolen mail.

"It is likely the number of victims could range in the hundreds and reside from Healdsburg to Rohnert Park," Crum said. "The mail is being sorted and itemized. At this time you are asked not to call if you think you are a victim of stolen mail. The detectives will be using addresses on envelopes and will contact you if they have your mail at this point."

Photos courtesy Sonoma County Sheriff's Office