ROCHESTER, NY – The U.S. Attorney’s Office today announced the arrest of three Rochester men accused of systematically looting mailboxes across Irondequoit and Brighton. Lamarious Bradley, Lucius Bradley, and Chad Brown are each facing federal charges that could land them in prison for thirty years.
According to a criminal complaint unsealed today, the Postal Inspection Service first flagged suspicious activity on November 28, 2023, when blue collection boxes were found forced open in the early morning hours. Surveillance footage captured a vehicle and three individuals circling the areas. The pattern repeated on December 4th, this time with the suspects actively removing mail from a compromised box.
The break in the case came December 7th, when authorities executed a search warrant at a residence linked to the suspect vehicle, as well as at the Exclusive Snacks and Lounge – a known hangout for the trio. Inspectors recovered approximately $1,400 in money orders and a mountain of checks made out to individuals who were not Lamarious Bradley, Lucius Bradley, or Chad Brown. Victims confirmed they’d originally deposited those checks into the very blue boxes now targeted by investigators. The search also turned up a handgun, ammunition, and a quantity of marijuana.
But the real smoking gun? Surveillance footage from inside the Exclusive Snacks and Lounge. Investigators watched as four individuals – including Lamarious Bradley – sorted through what appeared to be hundreds of pieces of stolen mail. Adding to the evidence, investigators uncovered text message exchanges between the defendants discussing the mail heists. The complaint alleges a conspiracy to commit bank fraud, exploiting the stolen checks and money orders for personal gain.
The defendants made their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen. Lamarious and Lucius Bradley were released under certain conditions, while Chad Brown remains in custody. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford is prosecuting the case. The investigation was a collaborative effort between the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Greece, Brighton, and Irondequoit Police Departments, and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
It’s crucial to remember that these are merely allegations at this stage. Each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. But if convicted, the penalties are severe: a maximum of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it unfolds.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Organized Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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