Austin Police Dismantle Criminal Enterprise Tied to Mail Theft, Identity Fraud, Drugs and Firearms

AUSTIN, Texas – An investigation spanning more than two months has led Austin police to dismantle what investigators describe as an organized criminal enterprise involved in mail theft, identity fraud, narcotics trafficking, firearms offenses and other crimes across Central Texas.

The Austin Police Department announced the investigation, led by its North Metro Tactical Unit, resulted in eight arrests, multiple search warrants and the seizure of a large cache of stolen property, counterfeit equipment, narcotics and firearms.

The investigation began May 15 after officers responded to an attempted fraudulent purchase at a local jewelry store. According to police, a man and woman attempted to use a stolen bank card to buy merchandise. Investigators identified the suspects and uncovered what they described as a sophisticated criminal organization.

During the investigation, detectives learned the group was allegedly manufacturing counterfeit U.S. Postal Service “Arrow Keys,” which are used by postal workers to access secure mailboxes. Because the crimes involved the U.S. mail, the North Metro Tactical Unit partnered with the United States Postal Inspection Service throughout the investigation.

Investigators also determined the suspects had leased an apartment in North Austin using a stolen identity.

On May 25, officers conducted surveillance at the apartment and stopped a vehicle after observing it leave the residence. Police said the driver was attempting to use a stolen bank card at a nearby ATM.

During the traffic stop, officers arrested 44-year-old Matthew Smart on an outstanding warrant for credit card abuse related to the attempted jewelry store purchase. Passenger Jennifer Craig, 26, was arrested on a charge of manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance after officers discovered narcotics inside the vehicle.

Police said they also recovered evidence linked to mail theft, fraud and narcotics trafficking. A search warrant executed at the apartment produced additional evidence connected to the investigation.

The investigation continued on June 8 after officers received information that suspects remained inside the fraudulently leased apartment. Investigators obtained an arrest warrant charging 49-year-old Matthew Herrington with fraudulent use or possession of identifying information. Herrington was arrested during a traffic stop, and officers recovered additional evidence before executing a second search warrant at the apartment.

On June 10, investigators executed search warrants at three storage units in Round Rock, including one allegedly rented using another stolen identity. Officers recovered a firearm and additional evidence tied to the investigation.

Five days later, police arrested 37-year-old Bryttni Williford on multiple outstanding warrants. As the investigation progressed, detectives obtained additional warrants for Herrington and 48-year-old Jennifer Jeansonne.

On July 2, investigators conducted surveillance at another apartment linked to the group. Three separate traffic stops resulted in the arrests of Herrington and Jeansonne on outstanding warrants, along with the arrest of 32-year-old Michael Dodd on an unrelated theft warrant.

Following those arrests, officers searched the apartment and arrested 40-year-old Nicole Patrick on a charge of unlawful possession of a controlled substance and 52-year-old John Waring on a charge of unlawful conduct involving a mail receptacle key or lock.

Police said the investigation resulted in the seizure of 17 counterfeit USPS Arrow Keys in various stages of production, approximately 700 pieces of stolen mail from 250 addresses, 10,000 business and personal checks, 115 suspected stolen bank cards, 50 stolen identification cards and approximately 1,000 additional pieces of personal identifying information.

Investigators also recovered approximately 1.4 pounds of suspected methamphetamine and fentanyl, nine firearms and equipment allegedly used to commit fraud, including laptops, printers, an embosser, a key-cutting machine, check stock and forged checks.

In addition, officers recovered evidence believed to be connected to burglaries and thefts, including vehicle keys, burglary tools, copper, brass, conduit, bicycles, collectibles and other stolen property. Police also recovered and returned a 1947 British Army motorcycle, a 1959 Cushman Eagle motor scooter and an enclosed trailer to a burglary victim.

The most recent arrest occurred July 21 after Cedar Park police received an Automatic License Plate Reader alert on Herrington’s vehicle. Authorities said Herrington was arrested following a vehicle and foot pursuit and was charged with evading arrest or detention.

To date, eight people have been arrested in connection with the investigation. They are Matthew Smart, Jennifer Craig, Matthew Herrington, Bryttni Williford, Jennifer Jeansonne, Nicole Patrick, John Waring and Michael Dodd.

Austin police said investigators are continuing to identify the rightful owners of recovered property and are asking anyone with information related to the case to contact the department.

The investigation remains ongoing.