Stamford Man Charged in Scheme Involving Stolen U.S. Treasury Checks
More than 100 checks worth several hundred thousand dollars were deposited into one bank account, federal investigators say.
STAMFORD, Conn. | September 28, 2026 — A Stamford man has been charged in connection with an alleged scheme to steal U.S. Treasury checks from the mail, change the names on the checks, and deposit them into bank accounts, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Connecticut announced Monday.
Bradleigh Rival, 23, was charged by federal criminal complaint with bank fraud, theft or possession of stolen mail, and aggravated identity theft. He was arrested September 16 and has been released on a $200,000 bond.
"More than 100 stolen U.S. Treasury checks, with a combined value of several hundred thousand dollars, had been deposited into one person's bank account."
According to federal authorities, investigators began looking into the scheme in 2024 after Social Security checks intended for people in Connecticut and New York were stolen from the mail. The investigation found that more than 100 stolen U.S. Treasury checks, with a combined value of several hundred thousand dollars, had been deposited into one person's bank account.
How the Scheme Allegedly Worked
Prosecutors allege that Rival participated in a conspiracy to obtain stolen checks, alter the named payees, recruit people whose accounts could be used for deposits, and withdraw the money. Authorities say the funds were accessed through ATMs, mobile apps, purchases that provided cash back, and U.S. Postal Service money orders.
Investigation Ongoing
The investigation is ongoing. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, federal inspectors general, and several Connecticut police departments are involved.
The charges are allegations. Rival is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.