Three individuals from the South Sound area have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their involvement in a series of post office burglaries across the Puget Sound region, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd. The suspects are identified as Justin Tate, 36, most recently of Tacoma; Gregory Foster, 58, of Port Orchard; and Paula Gamboa, 37, of Federal Way.
The indictment alleges that Tate led a group responsible for multiple break-ins at post offices located in Kitsap, Thurston, Pierce, King, and Island Counties. During these incidents, cash and valuables were taken from stolen mail. Authorities say Tate also used identity and financial documents obtained from the mail to commit bank fraud.
Specific incidents outlined in the indictment include:
– On July 4, 2024, Tate and Foster allegedly broke into the Olalla Post Office while wearing face masks.
– On July 8, 2024, Tate and Foster attempted to enter a restricted area at the Littlerock Post Office after disabling a security camera but failed to breach a metal shutter.
– On July 9, 2024, Tate and Gamboa allegedly entered the Fox Island Post Office and stole mail from several boxes.
– On July 15, 2024, Foster is accused of breaking into the Anderson Island Contract Post Office and stealing $3,000 in stamps, $100 in cash, and about 100 postal money orders.
– On July 24, 2024, Tate allegedly entered the Vashon Island Post Office and took mail from multiple boxes.
– On July 27, 2024, Tate and Foster reportedly forced entry through the back door of the Snoqualmie Post Office to steal mail.
– On July 30, 2024, Tate and Gamboa are accused of stealing mail inside the Preston Post Office.
– On July 31, 2024, both allegedly broke into the Clinton Post Office on Whidbey Island to steal mail from boxes and a drop box.
Tate faces two counts of bank fraud related to opening an account using one victim’s name and transferring or attempting to transfer over $3,500 for personal use. He is also accused of trying to deposit more than $13,000 in fraudulent checks and making $7,200 in point-of-sale charges with a stolen debit card.
In addition to bank fraud charges, Tate is charged with two counts of aggravated identity theft for using victims’ identities during his alleged scheme.
According to authorities: “Conspiracy is punishable by up to five years in prison. Bank fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Aggravated Identity theft is punishable by a mandatory minimum two years in prison to run consecutive to any other prison term imposed in the case.”
Officials emphasized: “The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Victoria Cantore is prosecuting the case.
