On Wednesday, Nov. 9, DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Elmhurst Chief of Police Michael McLean announced that a postal carrier had been charged with identity theft for allegedly stealing more than 100 checks intended for others from his mail route.
Keevon Dockery, 22, of the 7500 block of S. Wolcott Avenue, Chicago, appeared in bond court where Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh set bond at $100,000 with 10% to apply. Dockery has been charged with five counts of Identity Theft and one count of Aggravated Identity Theft. All charges are Class 2 felonies.
On Thursday, Oct. 20, an Elmhurst police officer was dispatched to a local business for a report of check fraud involving five checks sent by the business to clients that were fraudulently deposited. An investigation into the matter led to Dockery as a suspect. On Monday, Nov. 7, while conducting surveillance, authorities allegedly observed Dockery’s mail truck leave its route and park near a wooded area. It is alleged that Dockery left the mail truck and walked into the wooded area where he left three mail bins of undelivered United States mail. Authorities continued surveillance and detained Dockery as he was returning to his personal vehicle following his shift. It is alleged that when authorities detained Dockery, he was in possession of thirteen checks totaling approximately $20,000 intended for businesses and residents on his mail route. Further investigation into the matter found that Dockery had allegedly stolen 117 checks totaling approximately $40,000 from businesses and residents on his route.
“It is alleged that Mr. Dockery betrayed the public’s trust and stole mail from postal customers,” Berlin said. “I want to stress however, that the alleged actions of one rogue postal carrier is in no way indicative of the hard-working men and women of the U.S. Postal Service who perform their duties with integrity and professionalism day in and day out. I thank the Elmhurst Police Department for uncovering this alleged scheme and bringing it to our attention.”
“This pattern of thefts affected residents throughout our community, therefore, I’d like to thank the investigating officers and detectives that brought these incidents to a swift and proper conclusion,” McLean said. “I also thank State’s Attorney Bob Berlin’s office for their assistance on this case.”
Dockery’s next court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 7, in front of Judge O’Hallaren Walsh.
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt.
