Woman Pleads Not Guilty To Stealing Christmas Packages

NEWPORT BEACH (AP) — A woman who police say stole Christmas packages that had been delivered to Newport Beach homes has pleaded not guilty.

Melanie Astin, 42, faces a slew of charges including three felony counts of grand theft, one felony count of receiving stolen property and a felony count of possession of a controlled substance.

She entered her plea Tuesday.

Several residents had reported that packages left by several couriers were stolen from their front porches in the days before Christmas.

Detectives stopped Astin on Thursday afternoon after they spotted her following a delivery truck. They say Astin was arrested after police found previously delivered holiday packages in her car.

Since Astin's arrest, police say no packages have been stolen.

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