An individual from Broward County has been apprehended in connection with a string of mail thefts targeting tile businesses in Sweetwater. The suspect, a 33-year-old man identified as Courtney Martavius Ivory from Lauderdale Lakes, was arrested shortly after midnight on Sunday by detectives from the Sweetwater Police Department’s Priority Service Unit. Ivory was caught tampering with mailboxes outside Roca Tile Company, located at 11190 NW 25th Street.
Investigations revealed that Roca Tile Company had reported several mail theft incidents on February 24, March 8, March 13, and March 15. Surveillance footage captured a black SUV, suspected to be a Chevrolet Tahoe, approaching the mailbox cluster on the west side of the building between 11 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. Footage showed Ivory exiting the driver’s side of the vehicle, using a key to unlock the main mailbox door, and removing mail belonging to the company and others. The stolen mail included personal information, bank documents, and checks, which were placed in the SUV before Ivory drove away.
In the early hours of Sunday, detectives set up surveillance around the business. Officers observed a black Tahoe matching the suspect vehicle’s description entering the parking lot. Ivory noticed the officers and attempted to flee, leaving the SUV’s driver’s side door open. He was apprehended shortly after on Northwest 112th Avenue.
Upon searching the vehicle, police found stolen mail from both Roca Tile and Laufen Tile International, as well as documents containing bank information and personal identification numbers. Detectives also found three “arrow keys” on Ivory, specialized keys used by U.S. Postal Service employees to access centralized mailboxes. Authorities noted that these keys are considered stolen if not possessed by authorized personnel.
Ivory was identified through his Florida driver’s license and linked to a black 2024 Tahoe, matching license plate reader data from previous incidents. He was taken to the Sweetwater Police Department’s General Investigations Unit office before being transported to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. Ivory’s vehicle has been impounded for review by U.S. Postal Inspectors. Jail records indicate he faces charges including eight counts of fraudulent use or possession of personal identification, one count of dealing in stolen property, and five counts of petty theft. As of Monday, he remains in custody at TGK, with his bond status listed as “to be set.”
The Bottom Line
This case underscores the importance of vigilance and security measures in protecting personal and business correspondence. With mail theft posing significant risks to both individuals and companies, it highlights the need for enhanced surveillance and secure mailbox systems, especially for businesses handling sensitive information.
For local businesses, this incident serves as a reminder to regularly review security protocols, ensuring that surveillance equipment is operational and employees are trained to spot suspicious activities. Communities can also engage in educational initiatives to raise awareness about mail theft and prevention strategies. By taking proactive steps, businesses and individuals alike can help safeguard against the theft of sensitive information, ultimately reducing the risk of identity theft and financial loss.