A sharp-eyed postal customer set off a takedown in Uptown this week, after spotting what authorities say looked a lot like a mailroom raid at a neighborhood apartment building. Federal postal inspectors and Chicago police arrested 38-year-old Jasmine Larkin and 45-year-old Eddie Boykin on Monday, April 6, near the 1100 block of West Winona Street, where investigators say service doors had been forced open and mail and packages pulled out. Officials say the arrests followed a coordinated investigation, and they are leaving the door open for additional charges as the probe continues.
According to FOX 32 Chicago, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service teamed up with the Chicago Police Department in a joint investigation that led to the stops. A postal customer at the building reported suspicious activity, prompting inspectors to respond and detain the two near the 1100 block of West Winona Street.
As reported by CBS Chicago, Larkin and Boykin have been hit with felony burglary charges. CBS reports that officers recovered multiple bags of stolen mail along with tools that investigators believe were used to pry open mailbox service doors, and that more charges could still be on the way.
Where This Fits in a Bigger Pattern
A U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General audit has documented persistent mail-theft vulnerabilities in Chicago, including problems tracking and securing collection boxes and the keys used to access mail panels. The OIG’s findings help explain why postal inspectors have ramped up targeted enforcement in the city to disrupt organized mail theft and protect customers.
Postal Inspectors Urge Reporting and Prevention
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is urging anyone who thinks their mail has been stolen to file a report at uspis.gov/report or by calling 1-877-876-2455. USPS has also highlighted Project Safe Delivery operations that pair inspectors with local law enforcement for enforcement sweeps and outreach, per USPS.
Charges and Next Steps
Prosecutors are now reviewing evidence gathered by postal inspectors and Chicago police as the investigation moves forward. Larkin and Boykin remain accused of felony burglary, and officials told reporters that investigators are still working to identify additional potential victims and decide whether further charges are warranted, CBS Chicago reports.
