AUSTIN, Texas — Austin police have arrested eight people and recovered a large stash of stolen property after a months-long investigation dismantled what officials described as an “organized criminal enterprise” involved in mail theft, identity fraud, narcotics trafficking and firearms violations.
The Austin Police Department’s North Metro Tactical Unit announced the results of the investigation Tuesday.
The investigation began May 15 after officers responded to an attempted fraudulent purchase at a local jewelry store, where a man and woman allegedly tried to use a stolen bank card.
Investigators identified the pair, which led to the discovery of a broader criminal operation, police said.
Officers determined the group had been manufacturing counterfeit U.S. Postal Service “Arrow Keys,” used to access secure mailboxes throughout the region.
Investigators also found the suspects had used a stolen identity to lease a North Austin apartment. On May 25, officers stopped a vehicle leaving that residence near an ATM, where the driver was attempting to use a stolen bank card.
During the stop, officers arrested Matthew Smart on an outstanding warrant for credit card abuse tied to the May 15 jewelry store incident.
A passenger, Jennifer Craig, was arrested on a charge of manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance after narcotics were found in the vehicle.
A search warrant for the apartment turned up additional evidence of mail theft, fraud and narcotics trafficking, police said.
On June 8, officers arrested Matthew Herrington on a warrant charging him with fraudulent use or possession of identifying information after learning the group was still using the apartment. A second search of the residence produced more evidence.
The investigation expanded June 10 when officers searched three storage units in Round Rock, one of which had been rented using another stolen identity. A firearm and additional evidence were recovered there, police said.
On June 15, officers arrested Bryttni Williford, described as a known associate of the group, on several active warrants. Investigators later obtained additional warrants for Herrington and Jennifer Jeansonne on further charges.
On July 2, surveillance at a newly identified apartment led to three traffic stops that resulted in the arrests of Herrington and Jeansonne on their warrants, along with the arrest of Michael Dodd on an unrelated theft warrant.
A subsequent search of the apartment led to the arrests of Nicole Patrick on a charge of unlawful possession of a controlled substance and John Waring on a charge of unlawful conduct involving a mail receptacle key or lock.
Herrington’s most recent arrest came July 21, when Cedar Park police received an alert from an automatic license plate reader identifying his vehicle. Officers arrested him following a vehicle and foot pursuit, and he was charged with evading arrest or detention, according to police.
In total, police said the investigation led to the seizure of 17 counterfeit Arrow Keys in various stages of production, about 700 pieces of stolen mail from 250 addresses, 10,000 business and personal checks, 115 suspected stolen bank cards, 50 stolen identifications, 1,000 additional pieces of personal identifying information, 1.4 pounds of suspected methamphetamine and/or fentanyl, and nine firearms.
Police released photos of numerous recovered items as they work to identify rightful owners. Among the property pictured are several rifles and shotguns, rifle scopes, a cigar box filled with ammunition, a leather case, a crate of vinyl records, two road bicycles, a large brown “Rawhide” gun safe and a humidor stocked with cigars.
Stolen items (Photo: APD)
Stolen bikes (Photos: APD)
Stolen items (Photo: APD)
Stolen items (Photo: APD)
Stolen items (Photo: APD)
Officers also recovered equipment used for fraud and counterfeiting, including laptops, printers, an embosser, a key-cutting machine, check stock and forged checks, as well as burglary-related items such as vehicle keys, tools, copper and brass, and other collectibles.
Among the recovered items were a 1947 British Army motorcycle, a 1959 Cushman Eagle motor scooter and an enclosed trailer, which police returned to a burglary victim.
Police said eight people have been arrested so far in the investigation, with additional charges expected. The department said it is working to identify the rightful owners of the recovered property and asked anyone who recognizes the items to contact the North Metro Tactical Unit at APDNorthMetroTac@austintexas.gov.