A North Platte man is facing charges after authorities say he stole mail from numerous Lincoln County residents and broke into a vehicle.

In early February, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation after receiving numerous reports of someone going through mailboxes around the North Platte area and taking mail.

Chief Deputy Roland Kramer says, during the same time period, a vehicle was broken into at US Highway 83 and Garfield Table Road.

Deputies viewed security camera footage of a suspect attempting to use the proceeds from the thefts at several businesses.

On February 19, deputies were alerted that Richard “Brian” Valentine was attempting to cash a credit card check for $5,800.  Kramer says the check, from a Lincoln County resident, was made out to Valentine.  However, when the resident was contacted they stated that they did not know Valentine, nor did they issue the check.

Later that day, deputies made contact with Valentine in North Platte and placed him under arrest.  Kramer said Valentine had numerous stolen items in his possession at the time of his arrest.

Valentine was jailed at the Lincoln County Detention Center and charged with 2nd-degree forgery, theft, possession of stolen property and criminal mischief.  He also had an active warrant for possession of methamphetamine.

The investigation is ongoing.