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

Chicago, IL – Following a joint investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Chicago Police Department, Ralph Rodriguez, 42, of Chicago, IL, pleaded guilty in Cook County Criminal Court on December 2, 2025, to one felony count of theft and was sentenced to three years in prison due to his status as a recidivist.

Rodriguez was arrested in Chicago on April 16, 2025, after being identified as the suspect responsible for multiple mail theft incidents on Chicago’s Northwest side, beginning in 2024. Based on the investigation, Rodriguez was charged by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office with one felony count of theft.

“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 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.