A postmaster in Illinois has been arrested after authorities discovered nearly 500 missing greeting cards at his home. Justin Brown, the postmaster of Moline, Illinois, was taken into custody on June 28 after police in Davenport, Iowa, conducted a search of his residence.
The investigation revealed that Brown had been stealing mail, particularly greeting cards, from towns including Geneseo, Moline, East Moline, Milan, Rock Island, and Silvis. The cards were intended for various occasions, such as birthdays and holidays, and many contained cash or gift cards.
Brown faces a Class B felony charge for ongoing criminal activity. During the search, police found a digital scale with methamphetamine residue and a marijuana grinder, indicating possible drug use.
According to an affidavit, the thefts began in December 2023. Brown would intercept the mail before it entered the postal system, targeting items that he believed contained money or gift cards. The stolen mail was then taken to his home.
Complaints about missing mail were handled by Brown himself, allowing him to cover his tracks. Authorities stated that Brown’s actions were driven by his addictions to drugs, alcohol, and gambling. He had no known connections to the individuals sending the mail.
A police report detailed the contents of the stolen cards, which included family photographs, personal messages, and checks. Many of the cards had once contained cash or gift cards, evidenced by the empty packaging found during the search. The cards were for various celebrations, such as graduations, weddings, and Father’s Day.
### Article 5: Postmaster in Illinois Caught Stealing Hundreds of Greeting Cards
Residents of several Illinois towns may have an answer to why their greeting cards never arrived. Justin Brown, the postmaster of Moline, Illinois, has been arrested after police found 487 greeting cards in his home.
Brown was arrested on June 28 after Davenport, Iowa, police raided his residence. The missing mail came from various Illinois towns, including Geneseo, East Moline, Milan, Rock Island, and Silvis.
Authorities charged Brown with ongoing criminal activity, a Class B felony. During the search, officers discovered a digital scale with methamphetamine residue and a marijuana grinder, hinting at possible drug involvement.
According to an affidavit, Brown’s mail theft began in December 2023. He would steal mail he suspected contained cash or gift cards before it entered the postal system. The stolen items were then taken to his home.
Brown managed complaints about missing mail, allowing him to hide his actions. Police revealed that Brown’s thefts were fueled by his addictions to drugs, alcohol, and gambling. He had no personal connections to the senders of the stolen mail.
A police report highlighted the types of greeting cards found, which included family photographs, get-well messages, and checks. Many cards had previously contained cash or gift cards, as evidenced by the empty packaging found in some of them. The cards were meant for various occasions, such as birthdays, graduations, and weddings.
The arrest sheds light on the mystery of missing greeting cards and raises concerns about the integrity of the postal system.
