Police in Princeton catch two suspects in local mailbox thefts

Police in Princeton have caught two suspects tied to the recent mailbox thefts in town.

Eric Martinez-Jimenez, 27, and Antonio Urena Rosario, 26, both of the Bronx, were captured early Saturday morning. Their names are the same two names a few Princeton residents told Planet Princeton that checks were rewritten to after being stolen and altered.

The mailbox thefts in Princeton have been taking place since at least February of 2020. Recently there has been lots of press about the thefts, and pressure on law enforcement to solve the crimes.

Just before 2 a.m. on Saturday, Police Corporal Craig Humble was conducting surveillance of the U.S. Post Office mailbox on Palmer Square West. During the surveillance operation, Rosario was observed walking slowly in the area of mailboxes. Rosario eventually walked over to both mailboxes and quickly pulled on each door handle without placing mail in the mailbox.

Police stopped him and then discovered his accomplice in a parked vehicle on Palmer Square East. During the investigation, a small plastic bag containing mail that did not belong to either of the men was discovered. They also had tools used to fish mail from mailboxes.

Martinez-Jimenez and Roasario were placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters.
Martinez-Jimenez was charged with theft of identity, receiving stolen property, and possession of burglar tools. Rosario was charged with theft of identity, receiving stolen property, possession of burglar tools, and hindering apprehension.

The men were transported to the Mercer County Corrections Center pending a detention hearing.

Police said the United States Postal Inspectors were notified of the arrest and continue to assist in the ongoing investigations.

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Krystal Knapp is the founding editor of Planet Princeton. Follow her on Twitter @krystalknapp. She can be reached via email at editor AT planetprinceton.com. Send all letters to the editor and press releases to that email address.

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