PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Federal investigators have broken up a “well-organized and wide-ranging conspiracy” involving the theft of valuables from the mail at the U.S. Postal Service processing center in Providence, R.I. The alleged scheme involved a supervisor and six employees who targeted outgoing and incoming mail for Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts.
U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha announced the arrests on Wednesday, revealing that Cyril Murray, 44, of Pawtucket, who served as a supervisor, was among the individuals arrested. The others arrested in connection to the theft ring include Darren Camacho, 30, Fernando Camacho, 28, Willie Estrella, 31, Ryan Lee, 43, Angel Rivera, 27, and Andre Williams, 31, all from Providence and North Providence.
Investigators say that between March 2023 and February 2024, the group would remove specific envelopes from the mail stream and smuggle them out of the Providence facility in backpacks. They would then meet up to divide the stolen goods, often targeting items like checks, cash, and gift cards.
The investigation uncovered that during the holiday season, the group focused on brightly colored envelopes that might contain cash, checks, or gift cards. At one point, one of the suspects was caught with a backpack stuffed with approximately $1.3 million worth of checks.
While the total amount stolen remains unclear, Cunha emphasized the “massive” losses incurred. Surveillance footage revealed that these thefts were routine, with multiple suspects involved in stealing and smuggling mail from the facility daily.
The investigation continues, and anyone who believes their mail was stolen during this period is urged to contact the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General.
“This kind of public corruption will not be tolerated,” said Cunha, highlighting that postal employees who betray public trust will be held accountable for their actions.