Pismo Beach woman identified as suspected Hope Ranch package thief

A woman that was arrested on suspicion of stealing a package from a home in Hope Ranch has been identified by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.

Stephanie Small, 22, of Pismo Beach was arrested on Saturday by California Highway Patrol officers in the Hope Ranch area.

Small was driving a vehicle that matched the description of a vehicle caught on security camera that was driven by a woman who was seen stealing an expensive package from a home in Hope Ranch.

Officers stopped Small and found additional packages that appeared to be stolen from Via Rosita, a residential street in Hope Ranch. Officers also found burglary tools, evidence of identify theft and stolen mail from Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles and Orange Counties, as well as stolen checks and account numbers.

The property that was stolen from Via Rosita was returned to the owner.

CHP is leading the investigation and is contacting additional victims throughout the state. That investigation is ongoing.

Small was arrested and booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail where she later made bail. She is awaiting charges for possession of stolen property, identity theft, mail theft, and possession of burglary tools. She is due back in court on Sept. 18.