Source: Office of United States Attorneys
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Lamarious Bradley, Lucius Bradley, and Chad Brown, all of Rochester, NY, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with mail theft, unlawful possession of USPS mailbox keys, and conspiracy to commit bank fraud, which carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on November 28, 2023, U.S. Postal Service inspectors received notification that blue collection boxes were open in early morning hours in Irondequoit and Brighton, NY. A review of video in both areas identified a vehicle and three males. On December 4, 2023, inspectors once again received notification of that a blue collection box in Irondequoit had been opened. On this date however, mail was removed from the collection box. The same vehicle and three individuals were once again captured on video surveillance.
On December 7, 2023, a search warrant was executed at a residence associated with the vehicle, as well as the vehicle and the Exclusive Snacks and Lounge that the three males went to after allegedly stealing the mail. At the residence, inspectors recovered approximately $1,400 in money orders, and numerous checks which were not in the names of any of the defendants. Inspectors spoke with several of the legitimate owners of the checks recovered and all victims stated they originally deposited the checks into blue collection boxes. Inspectors also recovered a handgun, ammunition, and a quantity of marijuana. During a review of video from the Exclusive Snacks and Lounge, four individuals were seen inside the location sorting what appears to be hundreds of pieces of mail. One of the individuals was identified as Lamarius Bradley. Subsequent investigation also recovered text messages discussing the theft between the defendants.
The defendants made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen. Lamarious and Lucius Bradley were released on conditions. Chad Brown was detained.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ketty Larco Ward, Boston Division, the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood, the Brighton Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Catholdi, the Irondequoit Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Peters, and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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