Monroe police arrested a Monroe man in connection with a rash of thefts of checks from mailboxes in December and say he is responsible for similar thefts in many area towns, including Milford.
Corey Roberts, 23, of 871 Main Street, was arrested Jan. 17 and charged with first degree larceny, identity theft, criminal impersonation, second degree forgery and forgery of symbols of value.
Police announced they were investigating thefts of checks from several mailboxes in December and urged residents to avoid using their mailboxes to send checks. Instead, authorities said to use the large, blue US Postal Service mailboxes or bring checks directly to the post office.
“An investigation was initiated into the theft by the Monroe police Department Detective Division, and showed that Corey Roberts had been stealing the checks from mailboxes, depositing them into several bank accounts, and making cash withdrawals of that amount,” Monroe Police Lt. Brian McCauley said. “He was also obtaining money transfers using the stolen check information, and creating counterfeit checks with the stolen account information.”
McCauley said investigators were able to follow the “paper trail” left by Roberts' alleged actions.
“Three search warrants were served; two in Bridgeport and one in Monroe,” McCauley wrote. “In the course of the investigation, multiple other victims were identified in Trumbull, Milford, Stratford, and Shelton. The department continues to investigate the incident.”
Roberts was held on bond until a Tuesday, Jan. 21, court date.