Federal Authorities Disrupt Postal Theft Ring Accused of Stealing Checks and Money Orders from Mailboxes, Facing $1,000,000 Penalty and 30-Year Imprisonment
The alleged perpetrators of an elaborate mail theft ring that stole checks from mailboxes are now facing charges that carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of $1 million.
U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo says that Lamarious Bradley, Lucius Bradley and Chad Brown were arrested and charged with mail theft, unlawful possession of USPS mailbox keys and conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
According to the criminal complaint, the U.S. Postal Service inspectors first received a notification on November 28th, 2023, that blue collection boxes in Irondequoit and Brighton, New York, were open in the morning hours. Video surveillance from both areas captured a vehicle and three men.
On December 4th, the inspectors again received notification that a blue collection box was opened and, this time, mail was removed. The video showed the same vehicle and the three men.
On December 7th, authorities executed a search warrant at a residence associated with the vehicle, the car itself and the Exclusive Snacks and Lounge that the three men visited after they allegedly stole the mail.
The inspectors found a handgun, ammunition, marijuana and approximately $1,400 in money orders and numerous checks that were not in the names of the defendants.
A video from the Exclusive Snacks and Lounge store shows four individuals, including Bradley, sorting out hundreds of pieces of mail. Subsequent investigation also recovered text messages where the defendants were discussing the theft.