Two men accused of stealing checks from mailboxes in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and Pennsylvania

Two men are being accused of stealing a large number of checks and money orders from mailboxes in several states in New England and beyond.

According to Rhode Island State Police, on Monday, just after 9:00 a.m., Troopers from the Hope Valley Barracks conducted a motor vehicle stop for a speeding violation (99 MPH) on Route 95 South in the Town of Richmond.

During a vehicle search, Troopers found a bundle hidden behind the glove box that contained 45 different checks and money orders from various states, including Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and Pennsylvania. Troopers also located a water bottle tied to a string and a leather belt, both coated with a sticky substance that was believed to be used to “fish” mail from USPS mailboxes.

The operator of the vehicle was identified as 25-year-old Melvin Valentin Marte of Bronx, NY, and the passenger was identified as 21-year-old Jeifree DeJesus Valentin Marte Reading, PA.

Both men were placed into custody without incident and transported to the Hope Valley Barracks and later arraigned by a Justice of the Peace on the charges of Receiving Stolen Goods, Obtaining Property by False Pretenses, Forgery and Counterfeiting in General, Conspiracy to Commit Offenses Outside of the State, Conspiracy to Commit a Felony, and Making/Possessing Burglary Tools.

The investigation is continuing with the assistance of the United States Postal Service.