Crime & Safety

Inver Grove Heights Address Linked to Mendota Heights Mail, Check Crimes

If you recognize this suspect, please contact the Mendota Heights Police Department.

The is seeking the public's assistance in identifying a suspect in a mail theft and counterfeit check scam.

A Mendota Heights resident recently reported his outgoing mail stolen, and was notified by U.S. Bank shortly after that his account and routing numbers were used to create counterfeit checks.

Those checks have been used at the EZ Stop on Concord Boulevard in South St. Paul and the Goodwill store on Lyndale Avenue in Bloomington.

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The name used on the fake checks is "Philis J. Pennington," using an address on Cooper Way in Inver Grove Heights. The driver's license number used on the checks is that of the real Cooper Way resident. However, that homeowner does not know the suspect.

"Mail theft is a rapidly growing crime; there are those out there who spend their day looking for outgoing or unattended mail in residential mailboxes," said Mendota Heights Police Department Investigator Tanner Spicer in an email. "These people collect and wash the checks, make counterfeit checks or use obtained credit card numbers to make internet purchases."

Find out what's happening in Inver Grove Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Anyone who would like to leave a tip with the department can call 651-255-1170. The tip line is checked Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Leave as much information as possible.

You can also check the Northern Dakota County crime blog to leave a tip in the comments. Both tip formats can be anonymous if you choose. A $500 reward for information left on the crime blog leading to charges is available for those who provide contact information.


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