A couple charged with stealing mail to find checks to alter and cash them is taking different approaches to resolving their criminal cases. Bobby Deboard, 34, and Ginger Deboard, 32, appeared for back to back hearings at the Mohave County Courthouse on July 31.
Both Deboards were already on probation for their fraud case involvement in 2016 when Bullhead City police began investigating a mail theft spree in September, 2018. Spokeswoman Emily Fromelt said the pair was suspected of passing counterfeit currency, making fake drivers licenses, stealing mail and altering and cashing checks when they turned themselves in January.
Mohave County Superior Court Judge Derek Carlisle advised Mrs. Deboard that she could get up to 329 years in prison if she were convicted at trial of all counts in her three pending criminal cases. She advised that she’ll be taking a deal instead.
A change of plea hearing for Mrs. Deboard was scheduled August 12. It’s not yet clear whether she’ll choose one plea agreement option mandating a ten year sentence or another that allows Judge Carlisle to decide punishment within a 3-12.5-year prison range.
Mr. Deboard faces fewer charges, but he was advised he could still be given as many as 269 years if convicted at trial. Deboard nonetheless said he was rejecting the same plea offer in pursuit of acquittal at trial. Judge Carlisle scheduled Mr. Deboard’s three day trial to begin October 28
