Lakewood Ranch Post Office mail theft investigation continues

While social media reports have suggested the culprits of a check-washing scam out of the Lakewood Ranch Post Office have been caught, a Manatee County Sheriff's Office spokesman said that is not accurate.

Randy Warren, the public information officer for the Sheriff’s Office, would only say “significant progress has been made in the ongoing investigation.” 

Warren noted that the case involves complex detective work, layers of documentation, and strategic fieldwork, which has been backed up by U.S. Postal Inspector Kristi Parkerson. 

“With any investigation involving a monetary loss, it takes time to obtain information from victims, businesses and financial institutions," Parkerson said. “Once the information is obtained, it takes a lot of time to review.”

The two agencies, MCSO and the United States Postal Inspection Service, are working together in the hope of solving the crime. 

Gerald Tippin, a Rosedale resident and victim of a mail theft, said it’s “no skin off his nose” that they haven’t caught the culprits yet. Tippin’s bank returned the stolen funds to him. 

He received an email from the postal inspection service April 20 thanking him for his cooperation in the investigation and letting him know that it is a “lengthy process.” 

“If we confirm you were a victim, and if federal criminal charges are filed based on the allegations, you are entitled to receive further communication from the United States Attorney’s Office regarding the prosecution,” the letter read. 

Lakewood Ranch’s Deborah Giambrone had a check stolen in February that she had dropped off at the Lakewood Ranch Post Office. She hasn’t heard a word since, but like Tippin, the lost money was returned by her bank. 

Warren said the Sheriff's Office is communicating with individuals who have filed reports and who have provided updates when appropriate. 

“Once the investigation reaches a stage where information can be released responsibly, we will provide a comprehensive overview of what was uncovered, the actions taken, and the work involved in getting there,” Warren said. “Stay tuned for that.”