AUSTIN, Texas — Austin police have arrested six people and dismantled what they described as an “organized criminal operation” responsible for mail theft, identity fraud, narcotics offenses and firearms violations.
The Austin Police Department’s North Metro Tactical Unit began investigating July 25, when officers found a stolen motorcycle at a business in the 1000 block of Reinli Street. A man sitting on the motorcycle fled on foot when officers approached but was quickly detained and identified as 22-year-old Thaddeus Landeros, police said.
Officers arresting Landeros recovered a firearm, counterfeit U.S. Postal Service “Arrow Keys,” a journal containing personal identifying information and a collection of stolen bank cards, according to police. He was charged with evading arrest or detention, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, unlawful conduct involving a mail receptacle key or lock, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
Evidence from Landeros’ arrest led investigators to a group of people living at an apartment on Alpheus Avenue who were believed to be involved in mail theft and fraud, police said.
ALSO | Austin police arrest 8, seize stolen property in “organized criminal enterprise” probe
On July 27, tactical unit officers stopped a vehicle leaving the apartment complex and seized narcotics, a counterfeit USPS “Arrow Key” and additional evidence tied to mail theft and fraud, along with several pieces of stolen sports memorabilia, according to police. David Galvan, 46, and Dylan Mackey, 38, were arrested in that stop.
Investigators then executed a search warrant at the apartment, recovering stolen mail, stolen bank cards, fraudulent identification cards, checks, a USPS lock, additional counterfeit “Arrow Keys” and roughly 300 pieces of personal identifying information, police said.
Based on evidence collected during the investigation, officers obtained warrants charging six people with engaging in organized criminal activity, a first-degree felony. All six have been arrested, police said.
Those charged include:
Thaddeus Landeros, 22, also charged with evading arrest with prior convictions, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and unlawful conduct involving a mail receptacle key or lock.David Galvan, 46, also charged with possession of a controlled substance (fentanyl), unlawful conduct involving a mail receptacle key or lock, and an outstanding warrant for assault family violence by strangulation.Dylan Mackey, 38, also charged with possession of a controlled substance (cocaine and fentanyl) and an outstanding warrant for burglary of a building.Cody Swann, 31.Emily Larry, 34.Summer Rosales, 28.
Investigators are asking the public’s help identifying the owners of recovered sports memorabilia.
Investigators are asking the public’s help identifying the owners of recovered sports memorabilia. (Photo: APD)
Anyone with information can contact the North Metro Tactical Unit at APDNorthMetroTac@austintexas.gov or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at austincrimestoppers.org.
The arrests come about a week after Austin police announced the results of a separate, months-long investigation that led to eight arrests and the recovery of a large stash of stolen property, including counterfeit postal keys, thousands of stolen mail pieces and checks, firearms and narcotics.