MADISON COUNTY, Fla. — A series of mail thefts in Madison County has led to multiple arrests, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office reported.
The investigation began on December 19 when a victim reported fraudulent activity on her debit card, which she had not yet received. Authorities traced the transactions to a local store, leading to the arrest of Michael Schreiner.
Following Schreiner’s arrest, additional reports of stolen mail emerged. Surveillance footage helped deputies identify two more suspects. Frankie Mathis was found at her home with the vehicle allegedly used during the crimes. A search of the vehicle uncovered stolen mail, including Braille books and debit cards, along with drugs.
The second suspect from the surveillance footage, Steven Merritt, was also identified and arrested. A search of Mathis’s residence revealed large amounts of stolen mail, items purchased with stolen debit cards, and various prescription medications, including inhalers.
In total, seven individuals were arrested:
Frankie Mathis – mail theft, criminal use of personal ID, credit card fraud, possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia
Steven Merritt – mail theft, criminal use of personal ID, credit card fraud
Michael Schreiner – mail theft, criminal use of personal ID, credit card fraud, petit theft
Rebecca Bearden – mail theft, possession of stolen credit cards, prescription medication without prescription, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia
Megan Bearden – possession of stolen credit cards, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia
Jonathon Earle – possession of stolen credit cards, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia
Jonathan Cruce – mail theft, prescription medication without prescription, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is collaborating with the United States Postal Service to ensure all recovered mail is returned to the rightful owners.
