White Plains Police Arrest Man With Mail-Fishing Gear

A White Plains resident will appear in court on Nov. 5 after police arrested him while he was equipped with specialized gear used to steal mail from public collection boxes.

The incident occurred in White Plains, New York, involving 42-year-old Felix Checo Montesino, a resident of the Bronx. Officers stopped his vehicle after its license plate triggered a Real Time Crime alert. This alert was associated with an ongoing investigation into United States Postal Service mail thefts in neighboring Greenburgh.

Before the stop, police observed Montesino hiding cardstock paper inside his jacket. Upon contact, officers found he was wearing an adhesive-coated, weighted belt under his clothing. Police state this device is commonly used to pull mail from drop boxes.

A search of the vehicle revealed additional equipment. Items recovered included adhesive mouse traps, an adhesive leather strap, a pry bar, and a small sledgehammer. These tools are part of a method known as mail fishing, which has become frequent in Westchester County.

Records checks showed the vehicle's registration was revoked. Montesino's New York State driver's license had been suspended four times for failing to answer summonses. He was charged with possession of burglar's tools, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and operating a vehicle with suspended registration.

Montesino was processed at the station and issued four uniform traffic tickets. He was released on his own recognizance, and his car was impounded. Investigators shared all details with the Real Time Crime Center and the Greenburgh Police Department to aid their case.

White Plains Public Safety Commissioner Wade Hardy praised the officers' diligence. Hardy noted that mail theft has caused catastrophic financial harm to unsuspecting residents.