‘Well-organized crime unit;’ Investigators set up sting to catch people robbing delivery drivers

MONTGOMERY COUNTY — Investigators have set up a sting operation to catch people robbing delivery drivers.

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As reported on News Center 7 at 6:00, Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck says this is sophisticated.

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Somehow, they know the deliveries are coming and they’re watching for high-end Apple products, like iPhones.

About two weeks ago, a chaotic scene unfolded in a Washington Township neighborhood on Ashel Court.

One neighbor told News Center 7 that law enforcement cruisers with lights and sirens activated flooded her street and deputies were holding two men on the ground at gunpoint.

“We’ve been using undercover units,” Streck says.

Streck says these units help keep an eye on delivery drivers.

“Set up like a sting and this was our first one and it was successful,” Streck says.

The neighbor watched as two New York men, Miguel Bodre, 20, and Luis Emilio Paula-Jimenez, 22, were arrested for trying to rob a FedEx driver on Ashel Court.

The men were after an iPad that the driver was delivering to a home in the neighborhood, but undercover units were keeping an eye on him during the sting and jumped in to stop the crime.

Streck says his deputies have received several complaints across Washington Township and surrounding areas about items being stolen off porches.

Sometimes the criminals pose as law enforcement or homeowners to get what they’re after, according to Streck.

But if that doesn’t work, they will rob the drivers.

“We believe it’s a well-organized crime unit. Could be nationwide because we know it’s happening all over the nation. But they target high-end Apple products,” Streck says.

In this investigation, Streck says he’s getting help from other local departments, plus the feds.

“HSI is deeply involved with this and then I have numerous employees embedded with the FBI task forces,” Streck says.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) told News Center 7 they can’t comment because of an ongoing investigation.

News Center 7 is waiting to hear back from the FBI.

A spokesperson with FedEx said the company takes package theft seriously, and they work closely with law enforcement to investigate and stop it.

“We take package thefts very seriously and work closely with law enforcement to investigate and deter such activities. We have rigorous safety and security programs in place and regularly remind our team members of the importance of both personal and package safety. This includes remaining vigilant when delivering a package and immediately reporting any unusual activity.

FedEx works closely with shippers of high-value goods on enhanced security measures. A shipper can request Hold at Location or Direct Signature Required services, or redirect a package to FedEx Office or Walgreens, so a package is not left unattended at a business or residence. These tools have proven very helpful in combating porch piracy. Additionally, our solutions such as FedEx Delivery Manager, Estimated Time Delivery Window, and the FedEx mobile app offer recipients a convenient experience with more control over the timing and location of their deliveries.”

—  A spokesperson with FedEx told News Center 7

News Center 7 will continue to follow this story.

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