Joint Overnight Surveillance Operation on Christmas Eve Leads to Arrest of Repeat Offender

Chicago, IL – On December 24, 2024, a joint overnight surveillance operation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Chicago Police Department led to the arrest of Matthew Hutcheson, 33, of Chicago, IL, in the vicinity of 60 E. Benton Pl., Chicago, IL. Hutcheson was identified as the suspect responsible for an August 26, 2024, condominium burglary and subsequent mail theft on the 400 block of N. Carpenter Street, Chicago, IL.

Based on the investigation, Hutcheson was charged by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office with one felony count of burglary, one felony count of possession of burglary tools, one felony count of possession of fraudulent identification, and one misdemeanor count of resisting a police officer. Hutcheson was previously arrested by postal inspectors from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in June 2024 and charged by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office for possession of fraudulent identification and possession of burglary tools, including five counterfeit USPS postal keys. However, Hutcheson absconded from pretrial release and did not attend further court dates. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service appreciates the assistance of the Chicago Police Department and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office in this investigation.

“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is dedicated to defending the nation’s mail system from criminal activity, protecting United States Postal Service employees, and preserving the integrity of the U.S. Mail. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service values our law enforcement partners for supporting our mission,” said Ruth M. Mendonça, Inspector in Charge, Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

It is important to note that criminal charges are only allegations against a person. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.