MONONGALIA COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Monongalia County deputies have arrested two Morgantown residents following an investigation into a string of mail thefts that led to check forgery and credit card fraud.
According to the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office, deputies have received numerous complaints in recent months about stolen mail.
Victims reported that personal checks were stolen from their mailboxes, altered for larger amounts, and then deposited into suspects’ bank accounts.
Many of the checks were blank or written to utility companies to pay bills and were deposited via mobile banking apps.
The investigation also uncovered multiple instances of credit and debit card fraud connected to the stolen mail.
Surveillance footage helped deputies identify the suspects as Jason Pancoast, 31, and Ashley Hoskins, 34, both of Morgantown.
The pair were arrested on November 9, 2024, during a traffic stop and charged with three felony offenses: forgery and uttering, fraudulent schemes, and conspiracy.
Pancoast and Hoskins were later released on personal recognizance bonds. Investigators are pursuing additional leads and expect more arrests as the investigation continues.
The thefts primarily affected residents in the Cassville, Maidsville, and Rt. 100 areas of Monongalia County, with specific locations including Pedlar Run, Jakes Run, Mel Brand Road, Guston Run Road, Lazzelle Union Road, Whispering Creek, Sugar Grove Road, Sweet Pea Lane, and lower Aarons Creek.
Authorities are urging residents to stay alert and report any suspicious activity or potential mail thefts.
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim is encouraged to contact the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office at 304-291-7260.
