Suspect Impersonating Mail Man Attempts Fraudulent Shopping Spree: Police

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI — A suspect dressed as a mail man who allegedly attempted going on a fraudulent shopping spree faces a litany of felony charges, according to a police report.

The incident unfolded at Verizon Wireless in the 2500 block of Lapeer Rd. in Orion Township. On Feb. 2 at 1:04 p.m., a man reportedly dressed as a mail man and claiming to have worked for the United States Postal System for three years attempted buying an iPad, iPhone and three phone lines with a fraudulent state of Florida driver's license and fraudulent IRS documents in the name of "Construction Fasteners," according to police.

An employee became suspicious and alerted a store business representative, who confirmed that the man was not an employee with the company listed on the documentation, police say. The Oakland County Sheriff's Office was notified of the fraudulent activity in progress.

Once on the scene, Deputies attempted talking with the suspect, however he refused, police say. The man was arrested and later positively identified as a 28-year-old Detroit resident, according to police. Deputies confirmed that the identification was fraudulent and that the suspect was not an employee of “Construction Fasteners” or the USPS. The suspect was lodged at the Oakland County Jail pending charges.

The suspect was arraigned at the 52nd-3rd District Court before Magistrate Soma, who set a $25,000 cash bond. He faces four felony counts: Intent to Defraud Using Fraudulent Information (5 year felony), Used a Forged License to Commit Fraud (5 year felony), Attempt Organized Retail Fraud (2 1/2 year felony), and Attempted - False Pretense to Obtain Property more than $1000 (2 1/2 year felony).

The Sheriff's Office reports that Detectives, United States Postal Inspectors and other investigators are determining whether the suspect is linked to any other similar and recent incidents.

Image via Shutterstock