Three Rochester residents have been arrested and charged in connection with a postal theft operation, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. 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, they could each face up to 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford explained that the charges stem from incidents beginning on November 28, 2023, when U.S. Postal Service inspectors were alerted that blue collection boxes had been opened during early morning hours in Irondequoit and Brighton, New York. Surveillance footage from both areas showed a vehicle and three men at the scenes.
A week later, on December 4, inspectors received another notification that a collection box in Irondequoit had been opened and mail was taken. The same vehicle and three individuals were again captured on video surveillance.
Authorities executed a search warrant on December 7 at a residence linked to the vehicle used in the incidents, as well as at the vehicle itself and at Exclusive Snacks and Lounge—a location visited by the suspects after one of the alleged thefts. At the residence, investigators found about $1,400 in money orders along with numerous checks not belonging to any of the defendants. Inspectors contacted several legitimate owners of these checks; all reported they had deposited their checks into blue collection boxes.
During the search, law enforcement also recovered a handgun, ammunition, and marijuana. Video from inside Exclusive Snacks and Lounge showed four people sorting what appeared to be hundreds of pieces of mail; one individual was identified as Lamarius Bradley. Further investigation revealed text messages between the defendants discussing the thefts.
All three men made their initial court appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen. Lamarious Bradley and Lucius Bradley were released under conditions while Chad Brown was 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,” stated officials.
