Two More Arrests Connected To Wave Of Mail Thefts

YONKERS, NY — A former US Postal Service employee is accused of check washing, fraud and identity theft as part of a criminal ring targeting the US mails, Yonkers officials said in a Friday press conference. She's one of two people recently arrested in Yonkers in connection with a rash of mail thefts in Westchester County.

The Yonkers arrests follow on the heels of seven arrests in Bronxville, for theft and fraud connected to stolen mail.

Officials allege that former mail carrier Lorell Lee Legrand, 30, was involved with a group who targeted mail sent through the USPS system.

It is likely that the mail thefts connected to Legrand occurred at the mailbox level, officials said; however, Yonkers police and Postal Inspectors are working to identify the exact point of interception.

More arrests are anticipated.

Also, police announced that Shaquille Wiltshire, 22, also a Yonkers resident, was arrested by members of the New York City Police Department May 18 in a collaborative inter-agency effort including Yonkers Police, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the NYPD.

He is alleged to have possessed washed checks from stolen Yonkers mail in an effort to commit identity theft and fraud. He was charged with felonies and misdemeanors and his case is being prosecuted by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.

For the past several months, members of the Yonkers Police Department, Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, United States Postal Inspection Service, and partner law enforcement agencies in neighboring jurisdictions investigated several incidents of mail theft in Yonkers and surrounding areas.

These occurrences have not been limited to Westchester County, and reports indicate this has been a regional and even national issue, Police Commissioner Charles Gardner said at the press conference.

The theft of mail often leads to compromised bank accounts, loss of funds, fraudulent charges and more.

Yonkers police officers and detectives, working with local and federal partners, conducted undercover surveillance of mailboxes and target locations, reviewed hours of video recordings, and collaborated with bank officials to identify those responsible for defrauding their customers. They executed several search warrants, officials said.

Legrand, of 80 School Street, Yonkers, has been arrested and charged with the following:

• Count One – Grand Larceny 4’, a Class E Felony
• Count Two – Identity Theft 2’, a Class E Felony
• Count Three – Identity Theft 2’, a Class E Felony
• Count Four – Identity Theft 2’, a Class E Felony

It is alleged that Legrand, working with others, deposited forged checks into her bank account(s). Investigators have determined that the targeted checks were mailed from the following locations:

• Mailbox located at Shonnard Place and Convent Avenue
• Mailbox located at Yonkers Avenue and Seminary Avenue
• Mailbox located at Page Avenue and Westerly Street
• Post Office at 915 Yonkers Avenue

Legrand was a City Carrier Assistant who resigned from the Postal Service in May; her stations included the Post Offices at 335 South Broadway and 915 Yonkers Ave.

Postal authorities are fortifying mailboxes in the area, including enhancing mailbox security and the locking mechanisms. Also, boxes are being modified with a smaller slot for mail to deter theft, and upgraded security features to eliminate entry into the box by unauthorized personnel. These features coupled with continued investigations reflect the unified commitment to keep mail safe.

The Yonkers Police Department has seen a decrease in reported larcenies from mailboxes since the roll-out of upgraded security features, however secondary effects from earlier incidents are continuing to be reported and investigated.

“Mail theft throughout Westchester County and, specifically, here in Yonkers has reached epidemic proportions," said Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr. "We know police are working hard to combat the criminals who are affecting the lives of so many of our residents. We commend Yonkers Police and the United States Postal Inspection Service for their collaboration in bringing this suspect to justice and continuing efforts to stop this crime wave.”

While these arrests reinforce law enforcement’s sworn commitment to protect the mail, residents should still remember the following tips if you have safety concerns with the blue collection box in your area:

• Deposit your mail inside at a local Post Office
• Use a secure receptacle at your place of business
• Hand your mail to a uniformed letter carrier
• Report any suspicious activity at mailboxes by calling (914) 377-7900; emergencies dial 9-1-1
• Use gel based pens (Uni-ball 207, Pilot G-2) when writing checks
• Check with your bank if you believe you have been a victim and to search for other bill payment options.

Legrand was arrested Tuesday. She has been sent to the Westchester County Jail with bail set at $35,000 cash or bond and her next scheduled court date is June 25. The prosecution of this case is being managed by the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office.

Anyone with information regarding mail theft is encouraged to contact the Yonkers Police Detective Division at (914) 377-7730 – all calls will remain confidential. 100% anonymous tips can be sent by texting the key word YPD plus the tip to 847411. Anonymous tips can also be sent to us directly through the Yonkers PD Tips app which can be downloaded for free to any Apple or Android device.

The problems with mail in Westchester County have sent officials to the Postal Service to complain. Thursday, Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY17/Rockland-Westchester) met with Deputy Postmaster General Ron Stroman; Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President Dave Williams, and Guy Cottrell, Chief Postal Inspector for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service regarding the systemic U. S. Postal Service failures in the Hudson Valley.

Lowey said she reiterated the long list of complaints her office has received from constituents including lost packages, mail theft, refusal to deliver mail for arbitrary reasons, and widespread delivery errors.

PHOTOS/ Yonkers Police Department

SEE ALSO: Bronxville Police Make Arrests For Mail Theft, Bank Fraud