Carson City investigators are still searching for a woman they call the leader of a check cashing ring in which thieves stole mail from Lake Tahoe and Carson boxes, changed the payee and amounts and cashed the checks at area casinos.
Detective Bob Motamenpour said he is searching for Miranda Michelle Jones, 23, of South Lake Tahoe.
Jones was formerly identified as Catherine Macintire, but further investigation revealed she had illegally obtained a driver's license in that name in March and April, said Motamenpour.
One of the suspects in the ring, Jessica McKercher, 30, was arrested at a Carson City casino June 8.
Motamenpour said it appears McKercher was among several people called on by Jones and two men to cash checks Jones and the men had stolen from mailboxes. They would drive the women to Carson casinos and wait outside for them to cash checks. Once they returned to the car, they would split the cash, said Motamenpour.
According to McKercher's arrest report, she told Motamenpour she was a drug user and needed the money to sustain her habit.
The group is suspected of cashing at least five checks in Carson City.
Motamenpour said the Reno postal inspector is investigating the mail thefts.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Jones is asked to call Motamenpour at 887-2020 ext. 41406.
- Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.