SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MI – Two Detroit men, Darryl Roberts, 33, and Brad Stewart, 27, were arrested in early February after a months-long investigation into a mail theft scheme involving nearly $1 million in stolen checks. The thefts began on January 20, 2025, when Shelby Township police received reports of stolen mail, some of which contained large checks.
The case was quickly handed over to the Shelby Township Police Department’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU), who worked alongside the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to track down the suspects. Using surveillance techniques and Flock cameras, law enforcement was able to pinpoint a vehicle and the suspects involved in the thefts.
As the investigation progressed, detectives observed the suspects using a different vehicle to steal outgoing mail from various mailboxes. Upon arrest, the suspects were found in possession of large amounts of stolen mail. Roberts and Stewart allegedly traveled to 27 different cities and townships across six Michigan counties, stealing almost $1 million in checks.
“The mailboxes were not locked, making it easy for the suspects to access them,” said Sgt. Kevin Bailey of the Shelby Township Police Department. “They were allegedly selling the checks, likely to individuals who could ‘wash’ them. We don’t know how much money they got for each check, but it’s clear they were running a large-scale operation.”
The suspects were charged with conducting a criminal enterprise, and both were given a $250,000 bond, cash or surety, with a requirement to wear a GPS tether if bond is posted.
On February 4, Roberts and Stewart were arraigned at the 41-A District Court in front of Magistrate James VerPloeg. Their next court date is pending.
Shelby Township Police Chief Robert J. Shelide praised the work of his officers and the Postal Inspection Service. “Their dedication helped put these thieves behind bars. I couldn’t be more pleased with their commitment to solving this case,” Shelide said.
Roberts’ attorney, Saleema B. Goodman-Sheikh, declined to comment at this time. Brad Stewart’s attorney, Joshua Duane Jones, did not respond to the request for comment.
For residents, police suggest going directly to the post office to drop off outgoing mail as a preventive measure. This case remains under investigation.
