Two men have been arrested and jailed after Smyrna police investigated the mail theft of checks, credit cards, and debit cards.
Detectives were aided by the U.S. Postal Inspector’s Office of the Inspector General and the Dover Police Department. Detectives were able to link U.S. Postal Service employee David Rodriguez, 25, to the theft of checks and banking cards. Some of the checks were altered and cashed. The banking cards were used to make purchases and withdrawals. Detectives were also able to tie Anthony Bray, 33, of Dover, to the thefts.
On Tuesday, Smyrna detectives executed a search warrant on Rodriguez’s home. He was taken into custody without incident with numerous pieces of mail. Drugs and weapons were also found in the home. Bray was taken into custody during the execution of a search warrant by the Dover Police Department in connection with a drug dealing investigation.
The two men were charged with combined offenses that number more than 200.
Both men are now jailed, with Bray in custody due to drug charges.
Smyrna Police said anyone who believes they may be a victim to bring the situation to their attention. Police also noted that all users of the postal system can use the free in USPS’ “informed delivery” program to help prevent theft. Online payments are another option and are offered by most banks.
Mail theft has been a problem around the state, with stolen checks often a target at service businesses.
For more information, visit https://www.usps.com/manage/informed-delivery.htm.
