For the past month someone had been stealing mail from the Quail Valley subdivision in Minneola. Signs were posted to warn residents. Deputies say the targets of these crimes were really anyone who had a flag up on their mailbox showing they had outgoing mail.

In at least one case they got incoming mail too, heartworm medicine meant for Patti Mello's dog Sophie.

“It is very disturbing because it is private property and I just can’t believe they would have the nerve," Mello said.

Then on Valentine’s Day, Ivan Mobley spotted the thieves in the action.

“I saw a black car pull up to my neighbor's mailbox and thought that doesn’t look right," Mobley said. "So I got in my truck and got down to the corner and saw them at another mailbox taking mail out.”

Mobley, a one time identity theft victim himself, chased after the car. He said he was going 80 miles per hour but couldn’t keep up with them. He gave deputies a description of the car and license plate number.

Detectives used that information to track down two of the suspects while they were dropping off a child at Minneola Elementary school Wednesday.

Cristal Dominguez, 26, and Kyla Reaves, 29, were arrested.

Inside the car investigators found meth. Back at the hotel where they were staying, detectives said they found stolen mail and a major counterfeit operation. Dennis McCarthy, 40 and Shaun Ramsey, 31 were arrested at Meridian Hotel and Suites.

“They were using chemicals to do what we call wash the signatures off the checks, counterfeit them using assumed identities," Sgt. Jim Vachon said. "They were also counterfeiting licenses for and then we assume cashing these checks."

Deputies have identified six victims, but said there could be countless others who will have no idea their checks were stolen until their bills turn up unpaid. Anyone living in South Lake County is advised to check their accounts.

For now at least residents can breathe a little easier.

"I’m glad I was here and seen what was going on and was able to help them out,” Mobley said.

The four face various charges including organized fraud, forgery, theft and possession of meth.