A vegetation fire burning in a rural area of Napa County was at 50 acres and 30% containment Wednesday night, according to Cal Fire.
For weeks, authorities have been investigating after about 50 people in Napa mailed property tax checks totaling $1.5 million that never reached the tax collector. One man connected to the scheme is now in custody. And more arrests are expected.
7 On Your Side is continuing to follow a growing crisis at the Napa County Tax Collector's Office, where property tax checks mailed to the office are being stolen. Many of the stolen checks are being altered and cashed through a type of fraud known as check washing. It is a story we first reported last week, and on Monday, even more victims came forward after receiving delinquent notices saying their tax payments were never received.
We're learning more about a growing crisis at the Napa County Tax Collector's Office, where more than 60 property tax checks have been reported lost or stolen. The checks are being stolen and altered through a type of fraud called "check washing." More victims are now coming forward.
The Napa County Tax Collector is urging taxpayers to review their bank records if they paid their property taxes by mail. Dozens of checks mailed to the office, totaling millions of dollars, have been stolen and altered through a fraud called "check washing," officials said. An investigation is underway.
With wildfire season fast approaching in the North Bay, firefighters in Napa County are preparing with a new tool designed to guide crews to the right roads and water sources during emergencies. The device, known as a Beacon Box, is being installed at key locations across the county.