Federal prosecutors say three Rochester men are facing serious charges in connection with a scheme involving stolen mail, mailbox keys, and bank fraud.
U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced that Lamarious Bradley, Lucius Bradley, and Chad Brown were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with mail theft, unlawful possession of USPS mailbox keys, and conspiracy to commit bank fraud. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
According to court documents, U.S. Postal Service inspectors began investigating after blue collection boxes were found open during early morning hours in Irondequoit and Brighton on Nov. 28, 2023. Surveillance video in both areas showed a vehicle and three men. A week later, on Dec. 4, inspectors again found an open mailbox in Irondequoit — this time with mail missing. The same vehicle and suspects were caught on video.
On Dec. 7, 2023, authorities executed search warrants at a residence tied to the vehicle, the vehicle itself, and the Exclusive Snacks and Lounge, where the suspects allegedly went after stealing the mail. Investigators recovered about $1,400 in money orders, numerous checks not belonging to the defendants, a handgun, ammunition, marijuana, and video showing individuals sorting what appeared to be hundreds of pieces of mail. Victims told investigators they had deposited the stolen checks into blue USPS collection boxes.
Text messages recovered during the investigation also allegedly discussed the thefts.
The defendants appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen. Lamarious and Lucius Bradley were released under conditions, while Chad Brown remains in custody.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, along with police departments in Greece, Brighton, and Irondequoit, and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
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