Austin Police Bust Mail Theft Ring, Arrest Six on Organized Crime Charges

AUSTIN, Texas – Austin Police have arrested six people and dismantled what investigators describe as an organized criminal operation responsible for mail theft, identity fraud, narcotics offenses and firearms violations.

According to the Austin Police Department, the investigation began on July 25 when officers with the North Metro Tactical Unit located a stolen motorcycle at a business in the 1000 block of Reinli Street.

Officers watched as a man later identified as 22-year-old Thaddeus Landeros sat on the motorcycle. When officers approached, Landeros fled on foot but was quickly apprehended.

During his arrest, officers recovered a firearm, counterfeit United States Postal Service “Arrow Keys,” a journal containing personal identifying information and numerous stolen bank cards.

Landeros was charged with evading arrest or detention with prior convictions, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, unlawful conduct involving a mail receptacle key or lock and engaging in organized criminal activity.

Evidence recovered during the arrest led investigators to an apartment on Alpheus Avenue, where detectives believed several people were operating a mail theft and identity fraud scheme.

On July 27, officers stopped a vehicle leaving the apartment complex. During the traffic stop, investigators seized narcotics, another counterfeit USPS “Arrow Key,” evidence related to mail theft and identity fraud, and several pieces of unique sports memorabilia believed to have been stolen.

Police arrested 46-year-old David Galvan and 38-year-old Dylan Mackey during the traffic stop.

Galvan was charged with possession of fentanyl, unlawful conduct involving a mail receptacle key or lock, an outstanding warrant for assault causing family violence by strangulation and engaging in organized criminal activity.

Mackey was charged with possession of cocaine, possession of fentanyl, an outstanding warrant for burglary of a building and engaging in organized criminal activity.

Following the arrests, investigators executed a search warrant at the apartment.

According to police, officers recovered stolen mail, stolen bank cards, fraudulent identification cards, checks, a USPS lock, additional counterfeit Arrow Keys and approximately 300 pieces of personal identifying information.

Based on the evidence collected, investigators obtained arrest warrants charging six people with engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony.

In addition to Landeros, Galvan and Mackey, police arrested 31-year-old Cody Swann, 34-year-old Emily Larry and 28-year-old Summer Rosales on organized crime charges.

Investigators believe the group worked together to commit mail theft, identity fraud and related offenses.

Austin police are also asking for the public’s help identifying the owners of the recovered sports memorabilia. Anyone who recognizes the property or has additional information about the investigation is encouraged to contact the North Metro Tactical Unit at APDNorthMetroTac@austintexas.gov or submit anonymous tips through Austin Crime Stoppers.

The investigation remains ongoing.