Bronx Bandits Busted: Mail Thefts and Bank Fraud Unveiled

Manhattan federal court has unsealed an indictment against eight defendants accused of a mail theft and bank fraud conspiracy in the Bronx. The brazen scheme, which targeted checks and money orders from local residents, was halted with today’s arrests, officials announced.

Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, hailed the successful operation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) as a victory against financial fraudsters. ‘These eight defendants allegedly hatched a scheme to steal mail from Bronx residents, targeting checks and money orders, then depositing stolen funds into their accounts,’ said Bharara.

USPIS Inspector-in-Charge Philip R. Bartlett emphasized the seriousness of the crime: ‘The brazenness of these individuals to steal U.S. Mail, coupled with their disregard for community financial well-being, is truly insolent. Let today’s arrests serve as a warning,’ he stated.

The investigation has been ongoing since 2015, with over 50 state arrests resulting from USPIS and NYPD operations in the Bronx area. The defendants, including BRIAN MARTE, ERICKSON BATISTA, JUNIOR TAVERAS, ANGEL ARISTY, LUIS ROSADO, EOSCATERYS POLANCO, BRAYAN RODRIGUEZ, and RONARDO BAEZ, are charged with conspiracy to steal mail and deposit stolen funds.

Defendants who remain at large are urged to turn themselves in, while those in custody are set to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn today for arraignment. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Gregory H. Woods.

The operation underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to protect community interests and uphold justice against financial crimes.