On Friday 08/19/22 the Mattapoisett Police arrested Joseph Herrera Rodriguez, 18 years old of 3 Sawyer Ave, Dorchester, Mass and Jorman Aybar 18 years old, 87 Georgia Street Dorchester, Mass.
During the week of August 19th, the Mattapoisett Police received multiple reports of stolen and altered checks from Mattapoisett residents that mailed the checks at the Mattapoisett Post office outside mailboxes. Amounts of the reported stolen checks to date totaled over $250,000.00
Mattapoisett Police immediately investigated the reports and determined that mail was being stolen from the outside depositories at the United Stated Post Office located in Mattapoisett. The stolen checks were then altered for large amounts and often deposited or cashed out of state. The USPS postal inspector was notified. This crime is known as mailbox fishing.
The Mattapoisett police conducted surveillance and at 4.45am on 8/19/22 the officer observed 2 parties fishing mail from the outside depositories. Mattapoisett Police approached the parties who fled to a vehicle parked on Hammond St. The vehicle a white Acura fled the area at a high rate of speed striking a Mattapoisett Police cruiser. The vehicle proceeded north on North Street; the vehicle attempted to travel I195 east where the vehicle continued across the median into the wooded area. Both operator and passenger fled the vehicle into the wooded area. Officers set up a perimeter around the area. A search with Plymouth County Sheriff’s K9 located Mr. Aybar. A short time later Mr. Rodriguez was located in the same area.
Many agencies assisted the Mattapoisett Police with the search and arrests. Fairhaven Police, Rochester Police, Marion Police, Plymouth County Sheriffs BCI and K9 and the Massachusetts State Police patrol and airwing.
If anyone has mailed any checks into the outside depositories at the Mattapoisett Post Office please check and monitor your accounts. Mattapoisett Police has recovered mail and will be in contact with any victims. Please report any fraudulent activity to the Mattapoisett Police Department. This case is ongoing by the Mattapoisett Police.
Herrera Rodriguez was charged with:
• Breaking into a Depository with intent to commit a felony
• Assault and Battery, Dangerous Weapon
• Larceny over $1200
• Fail to stop for Police Officer
• Operating a Motor Vehicle to endanger
• Marked Lanes
• Speeding
Jorman Aybar was charged with:
• Breaking into a Depository with intent to commit a felony
• Larceny over $1200
