Man accused of stealing, forging multiple checks

A check dropped in the mail leads to thousands of dollars stolen.

Police say Jaden McDougald, 26, stole and forged several checks.

He now faces criminal charges, specifically for changing the name and amount on an $8,000 check taken from a mailbox outside the West View Post Office, then taking it to the Federal Reserve Credit Union in Brentwood.

Investigators were able to connect him to the theft through surveillance video.

Days before this alleged theft, Channel 11 reported on an investigation into thefts from multiple Pittsburgh-area post office collection boxes.

We asked the U.S. Postal Inspection Service if these incidents are connected. A spokesperson said they cannot comment on federal investigations, but confirmed cooperation with local law enforcement.

McDougald is also accused of targeting the mailbox of an 87-year-old man in Moon Township, taking three checks that were intended for bills. He’s accused of changing the name and amounts on those checks, for another $8,000 stolen.

Anyone who thinks their mail was stolen should make a report with their local police department and report it to postal inspectors online or by calling 1-877-876-2455.

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