Man found with stolen stimulus checks and other property arrested, Merced police say

A 38-year-old man was arrested this week after police found him in possession of numerous stolen items — including stimulus check — inside a vacant residence, according to Merced police.

Officers at 8:37 p.m. Monday responded to a call of a subject inside a vacant residence in the 200 block of West 21st Street, according to a news release.

Once on scene, an officer made contact with David Chavez, who was inside the residence without permission of the owner.

Police said the officer found multiple stolen items in Chavez’s possession. Police recovered items including four U.S. government stimulus checks and about 50 checks from various people, some of which had already been altered, according to police.

The officer also located more than 40 keys which appeared to be for residences, 68 mailbox keys and two car keys which police believe belong to an auto sales company.

According to police, many of the recovered items have been tied to three burglaries that occurred over the past few months.

Chavez was arrested on suspicion of trespassing and possession of stolen property.

Merced Police ask anyone with information to contact Officer Elliot at 209-388-7723 or elliottc@cityofmerced.org.

This story was originally published June 10, 2020 at 11:13 AM.