AUSTIN, Texas — Jonathan Casarez-Perez, a 35-year-old fugitive, was apprehended by Austin police and sentenced to 54 months in prison for mail theft and firearm possession. The arrest followed a coordinated effort with the U.S. Postal Service.
On December 3, 2024, members of the Austin Police North Austin Metro Tactical Unit received information on Casarez-Perez’s whereabouts. He was wanted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to a press release from the department. Officers located his vehicle at a local hotel and observed him stealing mail from a residential mailbox, with assistance from APD Air Support.
Upon his arrest, officers seized a loaded handgun, a counterfeit Arrow Key, several dozen USPS parcel keys, hundreds of stolen mail items, fraudulent identification, and unlawfully possessed personal identifying information. The United States Postal Service Postal Inspectors Office was contacted to coordinate the investigation.
Casarez-Perez pleaded guilty in the United States District Court Western District of Texas, Austin Division, on January 1, 2026, to possession of a firearm by a felon and aggravated identity theft. He was sentenced to 54 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution.
“This sentence sends a clear message that mail theft will not be tolerated, and the individuals responsible will be held accountable,” said Houston Division U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Shameka Jackson.
Austin Police urge the public to be vigilant about mail theft and related financial crimes, encouraging the use of camera systems and regular credit checks to detect fraudulent activities. The department continues to work with the United States Postal Service to combat these crimes.