Pair Arrested After Report Of Mail Theft In Sylvan Springs

BIRMINGHAM, AL - During this time of year, mail and package theft has become more prevalent all over the country. Jefferson County is no exception. A report last week of mail theft in Sylvan Springs has led to the arrest of two suspects.

Just after 8 a.m. Wednesday morning, Jefferson County Sheriff's deputies responded to a report that two men had been seen taking mail from mailboxes in the area of Hoagtown Loop and Lynn Drive in Sylvan Springs. The men were said to be in a black four-door Ford vehicle.

While searching for the suspect vehicle, deputies located a blue Ford pickup that had been identified as a suspect vehicle in a mail theft that occurred on December 12, parked at a nearby business. They checked the video surveillance from the business and saw a black Ford Focus stop and pick up the driver of the truck. The Focus soon returned to the business parking lot. The passenger got out of the car and got back into the truck.

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Both vehicles were stopped by deputies, and 33-year-old Eric Chase Watson of Mulga was identified as the driver of the truck. He was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia, and also had an outstanding warrant and a revoked driver’s license. As well, 32-year-old Phillip Ryan Graham of Mulga, identified as the driver of the car, was found to have a revoked driver’s license. He was also found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia.

Watson was arrested for Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and the outstanding warrant. Graham was arrested for Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Both men were taken to the Jefferson County Jail in Bessemer.

During the inventory of the vehicles several pieces of mail were found from different addresses in the area. None belonged to the suspects.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected.

Photo by Michael Seale/Patch