PORTLAND, Ore. (KPTV) — A Portland man is facing federal charges after authorities say he used counterfeit keys to steal mail from multiple apartment and condominium complexes across the westside of the city.
Pattern of Mail Theft
According to court documents, 42-year-old Michael John Peters is accused of breaking into community mailboxes at least 12 times between May and September. Investigators say Peters used counterfeit or modified postal keys to access locked mailboxes, targeting residents across several complexes.
Federal prosecutors said the thefts were part of a broader scheme that also involved stolen identities and counterfeit checks.
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Search Warrant in Pearl District
On Tuesday, U.S. Postal Inspectors executed a federal search warrant at an apartment in Portland’s Pearl District, which Peters had allegedly rented using a stolen identity.
Inside, investigators reported finding approximately 300 pieces of mail not addressed to Peters. They also discovered:
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False identification documents
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Stolen identity paperwork
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Counterfeit checks
Authorities say these findings provide evidence that the mail thefts were tied to additional financial fraud.
Court Appearance
Peters made his first appearance in federal court on Wednesday, where he was formally charged with mail theft and related crimes. A judge denied his release, ordering him to remain in custody while the case proceeds.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and more charges could follow as federal agents continue to review evidence.
Impact on Residents
Mail theft has long been a concern in Portland, especially for residents of large apartment and condominium complexes where centralized mailboxes can be vulnerable to tampering. Authorities say stolen mail can lead not only to the loss of personal letters and packages but also to serious risks of identity theft and financial fraud.
Residents who believe they may have been affected are encouraged to check their accounts closely and report any suspicious activity to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Broader Enforcement Efforts
The arrest comes as federal and local officials increase efforts to combat mail theft across the Portland metro area. Law enforcement officials note that criminals often target multi-unit buildings where a single key or device can access dozens of residents’ mail at once.
By pursuing federal charges, prosecutors aim to impose stricter penalties than those available under state law, which they say is necessary to deter repeat offenders.
What’s Next
Peters remains in federal custody as prosecutors prepare their case. If convicted, he could face significant prison time and fines for both the thefts and the alleged use of stolen identities.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office said the case serves as a reminder that while mail theft may appear to be a minor crime, it often connects to much larger schemes involving fraud and identity theft.
