CBS NEWS
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) - Police say a brazen thief took thousands of dollars worth of property and stuck some of it underneath a Christmas tree to give out as presents.
A set of stolen pajamas was even found gifted to the man's mother. Authorities said the tag read, "To: Mom, Love: Michael."
Suspect Michael Wieczorek, 42, of San Pedro came to the attention of sheriff's detectives from the Lomita station Wednesday while they investigated the theft of a package from a residence in Rancho Palos Verdes.
Wieczorek was discovered in possession of drugs, credit cards and identification that didn't belong to him.
After searching the suspect's home, authorities found stolen vacuum cleaners, jewelry, toys, an air-soft pellet rifle, blenders, clothing, and cookware.
Some additional items were placed under a Christmas tree.
Police also allegedly collected loads of other people's mail and Christmas cards from Rolling Hills Estates, Torrance, Palos Verdes Estates, San Pedro, Los Angeles, Carson, Long Beach, Lakewood, Redlands, Temecula, Auburn, Murrieta and Bellevue, Washington.
Officials said property was either taken from people's porches or purchased through means of identity theft.
Authorities said items used to commit impersonation fraud, including credit card reading devices, counterfeit California driver's licenses, altered checks, and fraudulent tax forms, were also uncovered in the suspect's home.
Wierczorek, who was released from custody after posting $20,000 bond, is scheduled to appear in court Jan. 10.
People who believe they may have been theft victims can reclaim their property at the Lomita Sheriff's Station Friday from noon to 2 p.m.
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