The State Attorney’s Office, alongside Delray Beach Police and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, have cracked down on a massive mail theft and check-washing operation in Palm Beach County, leading to the arrest of five individuals. Coined 'Operation Checkmate,' the criminal endeavor has reportedly left thousands of residents victimized by the theft and fraudulent use of their mailed checks. According to a report by CBS12 News, the latest arrests include Jordan St. Val, 22, and Mozelle Estica, 23, who join the previously detained trio, Dario Cadet, 24, his brother Billy Cadet, 20, and Joelson Gabrius, 24.
These crimes are not isolated, with WPTV's investigations over the years uncovering similar instances, including one where a Boynton Beach woman reported a loss of $50,000. The accused allegedly committed the scheme by pilfering personal and business checks from mail bins across various communities, including Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Wellington. The technique, referred to as "washing," involved digitally altering the checks to funnel money into accounts affiliated with the scheme, as reported by WPTV.
The Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office has disclosed that the suspects may have leveraged stolen mail carrier keys to access the contents of bulk mail bins, specifically targeting envelopes likely to carry checks. Following the alteration of the check details, conspirators would deposit the sham checks into the bank accounts of those involved, sharing any successfully withdrawn stolen funds among themselves. Law enforcement's initiative to dismantle this operation reflects heightened efforts to protect citizens against such fraudulent activities.
Further arrests are anticipated in the ongoing probe of 'Operation Checkmate.' Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg lauded the efforts of those involved in curbing the operation, asserting, "These arrests are a credit to hard work by the Delray Beach Police and the Postal Inspection Service to stop this criminal enterprise and protect county citizens and their mail," reflecting the resolve to bring justice to the affected residents, according to WPTV.
