Three Rochester residents have been arrested and charged in connection with a series of postal thefts in Monroe County, New York. U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced that Lamarious Bradley, Lucius Bradley, and Chad Brown face charges including mail theft, unlawful possession of USPS mailbox keys, and conspiracy to commit bank fraud. If convicted, each defendant could face up to 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, the investigation began after U.S. Postal Service inspectors were alerted on November 28, 2023, that blue collection boxes had been opened during early morning hours in Irondequoit and Brighton. Surveillance video from both areas showed a vehicle and three men at the scene. On December 4, 2023, another incident occurred when mail was taken from a collection box in Irondequoit; the same vehicle and individuals were again seen on video.
A search warrant was executed on December 7, 2023, at a residence linked to the vehicle used in the incidents as well as at the vehicle itself and the Exclusive Snacks and Lounge where the suspects allegedly went after stealing mail. Inspectors recovered approximately $1,400 in money orders and numerous checks not made out to any of the defendants. The legitimate owners of these checks confirmed they had deposited them into blue collection boxes before they were stolen.
Inspectors also found a handgun, ammunition, and marijuana at the residence. Video from inside Exclusive Snacks and Lounge showed four people sorting what appeared to be hundreds of pieces of mail; one was identified as Lamarius Bradley. Further investigation uncovered text messages between the defendants discussing the thefts.
All three defendants appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen. Lamarious Bradley and Lucius Bradley were released under certain conditions while Chad Brown remains detained.
The investigation involved multiple agencies: United States Postal Inspection Service (Boston Division), Greece Police Department, Brighton Police Department, Irondequoit Police Department, and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
“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.”
