Sugar Land Postal Worker Arrested, Accused of Stealing 226 Pieces of Mail

Jeland Mouton, a 32-year-old Sugar Land postal worker, was arrested March 9 after investigators found 226 pieces of unopened stolen mail in his personal vehicle, including 66 envelopes containing checks that authorities say could have been used to commit forgeries.

The Sugar Land Police Department and special agents from the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General launched a joint investigation after receiving multiple reports of forged checks over the past several months. Surveillance of the suspected employee led to the March 9 arrest. Mouton now faces a mail theft charge classified as a first-degree felony, with the case involving more than 50 victims. Officials said all 226 pieces of recovered mail were unopened and have since been returned to the U.S. Postal Service for delivery.

USPS confirmed Mouton is currently in a "non-duty" status. According to 13 Investigates, Mouton reached plea agreements in Harris County in 2016 on two unrelated charges: one for theft and one for aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon. Whether USPS was aware of those prior charges when Mouton was hired is unknown. A KHOU reporter also noted that more arrests in connection with the case are possible.

The Sugar Land Police Department is now urging residents to take concrete steps against check fraud. Police recommend using gel pens when writing checks, since the ink is harder for criminals to chemically remove and alter. Placing a check inside a folded piece of paper before sealing the envelope makes it less visible to anyone handling the mail. Regularly monitoring bank accounts can catch unauthorized activity quickly. Investigators also recommend avoiding mailing checks altogether in favor of secure online or direct bill pay options.