Chicago Man Arrested Again for Mail Theft and Drug Possession
A Chicago man has found himself in trouble with the law once again after being arrested in Logan Square for mail theft and drug possession. Andrew Trotter, 45, was apprehended with counterfeit U.S. Postal Service master keys, stolen mail, credit cards, and drugs, including suspected methamphetamine.
Notably, Trotter sported a new addition to his appearance this time around – the word “Trust” etched across his forehead.
This recent arrest comes after Trotter initially faced charges in July for similar offenses. He was caught with a counterfeit USPS master key, stolen mail, credit cards, and drugs back then as well. Despite this, Trotter managed to evade authorities for two months before being apprehended once more.
During the latest arrest, Trotter was found with two counterfeit postal keys, suspected methamphetamine, stolen debit and credit cards, and a stolen passport. These master keys, also known as “arrow keys,” can unlock various mailboxes and postal service collection boxes throughout the city.
Following his arrest, Trotter faced a court hearing where Judge Luciano Panici Jr. ordered him to be detained for violating the conditions of his pretrial release from the July case. Additionally, new charges were brought against him, including possession of methamphetamine, burglary, possession of burglary tools, attempted possession of burglary tools, theft, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Postal inspectors suspect Trotter of being involved in multiple mail thefts on the city’s Northwest Side earlier this year. Mail theft has been on the rise due to the circulation of counterfeit or stolen USPS master keys, which allow thieves to access multiple mailboxes at once.
Thieves target mail for sensitive personal and financial information, including bank documents, credit cards, government IDs, tax records, and checks that can be altered for financial gain. Some mail thieves are part of larger criminal operations that engage in identity theft and sell personal information on the dark web.
While mail theft is a federal crime, prosecutions typically occur at the state level. Authorities are continuing their investigation into Trotter’s activities, and additional charges may be filed as more information comes to light.
