Detroit men face charges after allegedly stealing mail from Rochester Hills’ homes

ROCHESTER HILLS — Police in Rochester Hills are asking residents to keep a close eye on their bank accounts and credit cards after two men were arrested for allegedly stealing mail from homes in Rochester Hills.

“A combination of heads-up citizenry and good police work were able to stop what clearly was going to be an expanding criminal enterprise that stole more and more personal identities,” Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said in a statement.

Jaylen Boykins, 22, and Devon Bailey, 19, both of Detroit, were arrested by deputies from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office June 14 after a resident in the 500 block of Snowmass Drive reported that a car with body damage pulled up to her mailbox and the occupants took her outgoing mail.

When deputies arrived at the scene, they initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle and found mail from the caller, along with mail from 10 other nearby homes, inside.

One of the suspects’ 1-year-old baby was in the back seat of the car at the time of the arrest and subsequently was turned over to Children’s Protective Services.

The two men reportedly told detectives they were selling stolen checks for $20 each and stolen credit cards for $100.

Police have since returned the stolen mail to the correct owners.

Police are asking anyone who thinks they might have had mail stolen on or around June 14 to confirm that letters were delivered to their intended recipients.

“Anyone in that timeframe who had placed outgoing mail in a street side mailbox should confirm that checks were received by the intended recipient. It’s also a good idea to monitor your credit cards, checking accounts and put a credit freeze in place,” Bouchard said in a statement.

Boykins and Bailey face 15 charges — including five felony identity theft charges and 10 misdemeanor mail theft charges.

Mail theft is a state crime, with the first offense resulting in a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail, up to a $500 fine, or both. Subsequent offenses, or cases where fraud is involved, are classified as felonies, with the second offense punishable by up to five years in jail, up to a $1,000 fine, or both; and a third offense carrying up to 10 years, up to a $2,000 fine, or both.

If convicted of the felony charge, Boykins and Bailey face up to five years in prison and a $25,000 fine, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Both men posted bond and were released from the Oakland County Jail. Neither had an attorney listed at press time.

The United States Postal Service has a free service for homeowners that previews images of incoming mail, as well as provides status updates about incoming and outbound packages. Information is available at usps.com/manage/informed-delivery.htm.

Any resident who thinks they may have been a victim is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at (248) 858-4950.