Press release from the Del Rio Police Department
A Del Rio Police Department investigation that began with a report of more than $800 in unauthorized debit card
transactions has led detectives to discover mail bearing the names of more than 1,000 people.
On Aug. 18 at approximately 3:01 p.m., a Del Rio police officer met with a woman who reported unauthorized activity involving her debit card.
During the initial investigation, officers learned the woman had been notified by her financial institution of several suspicious transactions associated with her account. The woman told police she still had her current debit card but had been expecting a replacement card to arrive by mail.
She reported multiple transactions at locations throughout Del Rio totaling more than $800 and told officers she had not authorized anyone to activate or use the replacement debit card.
An incident report was completed and forwarded to the Del Rio Police Department Criminal Investigation Division.
During the follow-up investigation, detectives reviewed surveillance footage and identified a man using the victim’s debit card. Police identified the man as Kenneth Austen Belken and obtained a warrant for his arrest.
On Aug. 25, officers saw Belken driving on U.S. Highway 90 East near Railway Avenue and took him into custody without incident.
During an inventory of the vehicle, officers observed what police described as a significant amount of mail that did not appear to belong to Belken. The vehicle was secured, and investigators obtained a search warrant authorizing a search of its contents.
During the search, investigators found mail bearing the names of more than 1,000 different people.
Detectives are now working to identify additional people who may be victims of mail theft.
Belken, 36, was arrested and charged with credit card or debit card abuse and mail theft. He was transported to the Del Rio Police Department for processing and later released to the custody of the GEO Correctional Facility.
The investigation remains active, and police said additional charges may be considered.
