UPDATE: Salem Police ID more than 200 people, businesses whose mail was recovered

Bill Poehler, Salem Statesman Journal
Updated ·2 min read
3

This story was updated at 3:45 p.m. Thursday

Salem Police say they have identified more than 200 people and businesses whose mail was recovered following the arrest a man on multiple warrants stemming from a nearly two-year investigation of mail theft and related crimes.

Individuals and businesses who suspect they may have lost mail through theft can go to salempd.info/document-return and search by the names listed alphabetically.

Those finding their name will need to submit a form found on the webpage and then bring identification such as a state-issued ID driver's license the police station at 333 Division Street NE between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, to get their mail.

"All residents should note, any unopened mail collected as part of this investigation will be returned by the U.S. Postmaster," according to the police department.

Original story

All residents should note, any unopened mail collected as part of this investigation will be returned by the US Postmaster.

Any Salem residents who have been a victim of mail theft but have not yet reported it, should do so at salempd.info/online-report. Theft of mail should also be reported to the US Postal Inspection Service online or by calling 1-877-876-2455.

Original story

Salem Police said more than 30 pounds of mail was recovered Monday following the arrest a man on multiple warrants stemming from a nearly two-year investigation of mail theft and related crimes.

Ross Sierzega, 33, was arrested in his southeast Salem apartment and charged with multiple counts including felon in possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of a short-barreled shotgun, felon in possession of body armor, identify theft, forgery, and possession of burglary tools.

Sierzega had his first appearance Tuesday in federal court on a warrant based on charges of mail theft, aggravated identity theft, and bank fraud. He is in the custody of the U.S. Marshal's Service.

In addition to the mail, police said they and U.S. Postal Service Inspectors found two lock cores from community mailboxes, counterfeit mailbox keys and tools to make more, checks, bank cards, and financial documents not in Sierzega's name. He allegedly used debit cards to withdraw at least $16,000.

Salem Police released these images of a counterfeit key maker and a shotgun that were recovered during the search of an apartment of a man who faces multiple charges including mail theft.
Salem Police released these images of a counterfeit key maker and a shotgun that were recovered during the search of an apartment of a man who faces multiple charges including mail theft.

Salem Police will reach out to victims and return the stolen items in the next few weeks, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service will process and return the recovered mail.

“I know so many residents have been directly impacted in recent years all across the city as victims of this far too prevalent and pernicious crime," police chief Trevor Womack said in a statement. "The supect's arrest hopefully brings some sense of justice to victims and signals to those who would steal mail and commit fraud that we take these crimes seriously.”

Bill Poehler covers Marion and Polk County for the Statesman Journal. Contact him at bpoehler@StatesmanJournal.com

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Police, U.S. Postal Service Inspectors recover 30 lbs of stolen mail