WYLIE, Texas — A 38-year-old Houston man, Viorel Velcu, has been arrested and charged with mail theft and unlawful use of a criminal instrument after allegedly targeting a church mailbox in North Texas.
On July 6, Wylie Police responded to The Cross Church after staff reported multiple incidents of the church’s outdoor mailbox being pried open.
Detectives launched an investigation and identified a vehicle registered in Houston as a possible suspect vehicle. Using FLOCK Safety Cameras, they tracked the vehicle traveling from Houston to Wylie.
Authorities set up surveillance at the church and observed the suspect’s vehicle returning. Velcu was seen exiting the vehicle and approaching the mailbox before police intervened.
He was arrested on-site and booked into the Collin County Jail on July 27. Velcu is charged with unlawful use of a criminal instrument, mail theft, and also had an active warrant from Flower Mound Police for a previous mail theft case.
His total bond has been set at $50,000, and additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
Wylie Police praised the teamwork involved, stating, “Their dedication and teamwork helped prevent additional mail thefts across Wylie and the Dallas Metroplex.”
