Cameras Finally Catch Michigan Men After Reports of Several Stolen Packages

Two men were arrested in Michigan following an investigation into a series of package thefts that were occurring at an apartment complex.

The Troy Police Department said multiple packages had been stolen from residents at Somerset Park Apartments over several weeks. The stolen deliveries reportedly included packages from Amazon and FedEx.

A victim posted on social media about a package theft that was not reported to police.
Officers saw the post and contacted the victim to obtain additional information about the incident.

That post led investigators to use Flock license plate readers to identify a vehicle believed to be connected to the theft. The information was then shared with Troy’s Directed Patrol Unit as officers continued to identify the people involved.

Finding the Suspects

According to the Troy Police Department, both investigators and Directed Patrol Unit officers worked together for several weeks as more package thefts were being reported from the same apartment complex.

Police say on Sept. 29 they finally caught and arrested two suspects following additional package thefts after weeks of investigation.

23-year-old Nyrobi Jenkins and 23-year-old Mekhi Carter were arrested and then arraigned on Oct. 1 in 52-4 District Court, according to police.

Jenkins was charged with six counts of under Michigan’s Mail Depository Protection Act Mail Theft. Carter was charged with seven counts of the same offense.

Both suspects’ bonds were set at $5,000, and court records show they both have court dates set for Oct. 13.

Mail Theft in Michigan

Michigan’s Mail and Mail Depository Protection Act prohibits a person from taking, holding, concealing, or destroying mail addressed to another person with the intent to defraud someone or deprive them of their intended mail.

The law specifically defines mail to include packages, meaning delivered packages can fall under the statute.

A first violation is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $500, or both. A second or subsequent violation is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

Reporting to Police

The Troy Police Department emphasized that residents should report crimes directly to them rather than relying on social media or neighborhood groups.

Troy police said reporting a theft directly to them allows officers to respond, collect evidence, and investigate crime trends affecting the community.

Jenkins and Carter’s charges are allegations, and they are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.