Serial Mail Thief Pleads Guilty to Felony Burglary Charge, Sentenced to Prison

Florence, SC – Following a joint operation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Chicago Police Department, Andrew Trotter, 45, of Chicago, IL, pleaded guilty on November 12, 2025, to one felony count of burglary and was sentenced to four years in prison as well as one year of mandatory supervisory release following his prison term.

Trotter was arrested in Chicago on September 15, 2025, after being identified as the suspect responsible for multiple mail theft incidents on Chicago’s Northwest side beginning in at least early 2025. At the time of his arrest, Trotter possessed two counterfeit postal keys, suspected methamphetamine, several stolen debit and credit cards, and one stolen passport.

Based on the investigation, Trotter was charged by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office with one felony count each of possession of burglary tools and possession of a controlled substance. Trotter was also charged with one misdemeanor count each of possession of burglary tools and theft of mislaid property.

“This sentencing is a statement that mail theft will not be tolerated, and the perpetrators will be brought to justice,” said Ruth M. Mendonça, inspector in charge, Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “The Postal Inspection Service will continue to partner with other law enforcement agencies to collectively pursue criminals who victimize postal customers.” The Postal Inspection Service appreciates the assistance of the Chicago Police Department in this investigation as well as the continued partnership with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.