On Friday August 19 the Mattapoisett Police arrested Joseph Herrera Rodriguez and Jorman Aybar both of Dorchester, MA.
During the week of August 19, the Mattapoisett Police received multiple reports of stolen and altered checks from Mattapoisett residents that mailed the checks at the Mattapoisett Post office outside mailboxes. Amounts of the reported stolen checks to date totaled over $250,000.00
Mattapoisett Police immediately investigated the reports and determined that mail was being stolen from the outside depositories at the United Stated Post Office located in Mattapoisett. The stolen checks were then altered for large amounts and often deposited or cashed out of state. The USPS postal inspector was notified. This crime is known as mailbox fishing.
The Mattapoisett police conducted surveillance and at 4.45am on August 19 the officer observed two parties fishing mail from the outside depositories. Mattapoisett Police approached the parties who fled to a vehicle parked on Hammond Street. The vehicle a white Acura fled the area at a high rate of speed striking a Mattapoisett Police cruiser. The vehicle proceeded north on North Street; the vehicle attempted to travel I-195 east where the vehicle continued across the median into the wooded area. Both operator and passenger fled the vehicle into the wooded area. Officers set up a perimeter around the area. A search with Plymouth County Sheriff’s K9 located Mr. Aybar. A short time later Mr. Rodriguez was located in the same area.
Many agencies assisted the Mattapoisett Police with the search and arrests. Fairhaven Police, Rochester Police, Marion Police, Plymouth County Sheriffs BCI and K9 and the Massachusetts State Police patrol and airwing.
If anyone has mailed any checks into the outside depositories at the Mattapoisett Post Office please check and monitor your accounts. Mattapoisett Police has recovered mail and will be in contact with any victims. Please report any fraudulent activity to the Mattapoisett Police Department. This case is ongoing by the Mattapoisett Police.
Herrera Rodriguez was charged with:
Breaking into a Depository with intent to commit a felony
Assault and Battery, Dangerous Weapon
Larceny over $1200
Fail to stop for Police Officer
Operating a Motor Vehicle to endanger
Marked Lanes
Speeding
Jorman Aybar was charged with:
Breaking into a Depository with intent to commit a felony
Larceny over $1200
Mattapoisett Police Department Press Release