Charges have been filed against a woman who allegedly stole large volumes of mail from residential buildings in Uptown and Edgewater this year. Chicago police and federal law enforcement agencies have issued several bulletins about similar crimes in recent months.
Casey Martin, 35, used a postal service master key or tool to open entire banks of mailboxes inside large housing complexes at least six times since January, Assistant State’s Attorney Andrea Williams said.
On January 15, Martin forced open banks of mailboxes in a high-rise building on the 4900 block of North Marine, according to Williams. The same day, Martin allegedly raided 57 mailboxes inside an apartment building on the 5600 block of North Winthrop.
She’s accused of committing similar crimes at buildings in the 800 block of West Argyle on March 9, and the 5800 block of North Sheridan and the 900 block of West Winona on April 17.
Williams said video cameras recorded most of the burglaries, and some footage clearly shows Martin’s face, distinct features, and tattoos. Martin, who does not work for the postal service, was carrying a bag containing over $2,300 worth of methamphetamine when police arrested her, Williams alleged.
Prosecutors charged Martin with six counts of felony burglary, two counts of resisting police, driving on a revoked license, and possession of methamphetamine. Judge Charles Beach set her bail at $50,000. Martin will need to post a $5,000 deposit to get out of jail.
Williams said she has seven prior felony convictions, including identity theft cases in 2018, 2016, and 2013, along with forgery counts in 2006 and 2004.
Prosecutors on Saturday also charged 42-year-old Paul Atou with helping Martin commit the April 17 burglaries. Judge Susana Ortiz released Atou on his own recognizance.
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