Smyrna Police detectives have arrested two men after conducting a several months-long investigation into stolen checks, credit cards, and debit cards from the mail.
Smyrna Police was aided by the U.S. Postal Inspector’s Office of the Inspector General and the Dover Police Department.
Officials said Detectives were able to determine that David Rodriguez, 25, of Smyrna, who was employed by the U.S. Postal Service, was stealing checks and other banking cards from the mail. Some of these checks were then altered and cashed. The banking cards were used to make purchases and withdrawals. Detectives were also able to link Anthony Bray, 33, of Dover to the scheme officials said Friday.
On Tuesday, detectives executed a search warrant on Rodriguez’s home in the 800 block of Providence Drive. He was taken into custody without incident and numerous pieces of stolen mail as well as drugs and weapons were located inside of the home according to police. Bray was taken into custody during the execution of a search warrant by the Dover Police Department in relation to a drug dealing investigation added police.
Earlier in the week, one of the victims of the thefts told FSU that her checks had been stolen and the amounts on the checks were changed. She expressed gratitude that her bank assisted her in rectifying the monetary loss caused by the scheme. She mentioned that there were reports that a raid was conducted at the post office. Smyrna Police confirmed the raid today.
David Rodriguez (LEFT) is facing a range of allegations, including possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, 9 counts of Identity Theft, possession with intent to deliver, 2 counts of possession of a deadly weapon by a person prohibited, conspiracy, 3 counts of theft where the victim is 62 or older, 92 counts of theft, 10 counts of selling stolen property, 9 counts of unlawful use of a credit card, 3 counts of endangering the welfare of a child, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and official misconduct. He was issued a $30,702 secured bond and subsequently committed to the Department of Corrections (DOC) pending future legal proceedings.
Similarly, Anthony Bray (RIGHT) is facing a litany of charges including 9 counts of Identity Theft, conspiracy, criminal impersonation, 9 counts of unlawful use of Payment Card, and 83 counts of receiving stolen property. He received a $31,900 unsecured bond but remains detained by the DOC due to other pending charges.
Smyrna Police urged potential victims of the fraudulent scheme to come forward and contact them. Additionally, they underscored the importance of utilizing the USPS’ “informed delivery” program, which is accessible for free, as a proactive measure against mail theft.
This recent turn of events highlights the collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Postal Service to address instances of mail theft and financial fraud. The successful culmination of this investigation serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need to remain informed about available preventive measures.