Man Arrested for Multiple Mail Thefts and Identity Theft Across Chicago

CHICAGO (CBS) — A man is now in police custody after being apprehended on multiple occasions for allegedly stealing mail and committing identity theft in various locations across Chicago.

Jonathan Minter, a 37-year-old suspect, was captured on surveillance footage using what appears to be a postal master key to gain access to an entire set of mailboxes in a building, according to U.S. postal inspectors.

“It’s a relief to know that he’s finally behind bars,” said William Debes, a resident affected by the crimes.

Minter has been identified as the primary suspect responsible for numerous incidents of mail theft in apartment and condo buildings between 2022 and 2024. Some of the targeted locations include the 5700 block of North Winthrop Avenue in Edgewater and the 3800 block of North Fremont Street in Lakeview, where Debes resides.

Debes recalled how his apartment building was targeted on September 7 last year, stating, “Our neighbors came to our door and asked if we had any information about the stolen mail. It was quite alarming, as we would never engage in such activities.”

Debes mentioned that both packages and letters were taken during the thefts, including Amazon Prime boxes and physical mail.

After a joint investigation conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Chicago Police, Minter was apprehended earlier this week. His arrest followed three outstanding warrants after he failed to appear in court on previous occasions.

CBS 2 Legal Analyst Irv Miller explained, “That’s why he is currently being held without bond on each of these cases.” Law enforcement officials have attributed numerous crimes to Minter, including burglaries, mail theft, identity theft, and account takeovers. Most of his victims were senior citizens, authorities revealed.

At present, Minter faces 12 felony cases across three different judges. Miller mentioned, “If he is convicted of more than one of these, he’s looking at consecutive sentencing on each case. With 12 pending cases, that could result in significant prison time.”

Each felony charge against Minter carries a potential sentence of three to seven years of incarceration.

A Notorious Serial Offender

Jonathan Minter has gained notoriety in Chicago due to his repeated involvement in mail theft and identity theft crimes. His recent arrest has brought relief to the affected communities and serves as a warning to other potential criminals.

Law enforcement agencies are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to mail theft or identity theft. By promptly reporting such incidents, individuals can help prevent further victimization and contribute to the overall safety of their neighborhoods.

Protecting Yourself from Mail Theft and Identity Theft

Given the rising prevalence of mail theft and identity theft cases, it is crucial to take proactive measures to safeguard personal information and prevent becoming a victim.

Here are some tips to protect yourself:

1. Secure Mail Delivery

Consider using a locked mailbox or a post office box for mail delivery. This ensures that only authorized individuals have access to your mail.

2. Opt for Online Statements and Payments

Whenever possible, choose to receive statements and bills electronically. This reduces the risk of sensitive information being intercepted during mail delivery.

3. Shred Sensitive Documents

Before disposing of any documents containing personal information, make sure to shred them thoroughly. This prevents criminals from accessing your data through discarded paperwork.

4. Monitor Financial Accounts

Regularly review your bank statements, credit card statements, and other financial accounts for any unauthorized transactions. Report any suspicious activity to your financial institution immediately.

5. Be Cautious of Phishing Attempts

Avoid clicking on suspicious email links or sharing personal information online unless you are certain of the source’s legitimacy. Scammers often use phishing techniques to trick individuals into divulging sensitive data.

By following these preventive measures, individuals can minimize their risk of falling victim to mail theft and identity theft crimes.

Conclusion

The arrest of Jonathan Minter brings a sense of closure to the victims of his numerous mail theft and identity theft crimes. With a series of felony cases pending against him, Minter faces the prospect of significant prison time if convicted.

Law enforcement agencies continue to work diligently to ensure the safety and security of communities across Chicago. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities promptly, contributing to the swift apprehension and prosecution of criminals involved in these offenses.