6 From Paterson Allegedly Stole $300K In Checks From NJ Mailboxes

Six Paterson men were charged Monday with stealing at least $300,000 in checks from dozens of United States Postal Service mailboxes throughout North Jersey, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

The men stole checks from USPS mailboxes in Passaic, Bergen, Morris, Essex, and Middlesex counties, and elsewhere, and fraudulently deposited them into various bank accounts, often within a day of being stolen, Carpenito said in a news release.

Law enforcement authorities identified at least $300,000 worth of stolen checks that were deposited into bank accounts.

Some of the men broke into the mailboxes using pry bars, usually late at night, Carpenito said.

The men charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud were: Ismael Alicea, Jr., 25, Yerrisson Garcia-Rodriguez, 23, Jerry Lake-Rodriguez, 25, Johan Lake-Rodriguez, 26, Brayan Ulloa-Ulloa, 24, and Jefersson Quezada, 21.

All of the men, except Alicea, was also charged with bank fraud. Johan Lake-Rodriguez, and Quezada were also charged with aggravated identity theft. Alicea and Johan Lake-Rodriguez were also charged with possession of stolen mail.

Four of men were arrested Monday morning. Johan Lake-Rodriguez is in state custody and will make his initial appearance later this week, Carpenito said. Jefersson Quezada remains at large.

The conspiracy and bank fraud charges each carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

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