Busted: Brooklyn Man Arrested For Stealing 9 Stimulus Checks, Credit Cards

In the midst of the pandemic Brooklyn is facing, a 31-year-old resident still managed to cause trouble by stealing nine COVID-19 stimulus checks and other mail from his neighbors.

New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers first saw Feng Cheng rifling through a medical collection bin outside a closed medical facility in Sunset Park early Tuesday. He was then allegedly spotted at a nearby residential building sifting through mail that was left on the floor, according AM New York.

Unsatisfied, Cheng went on another residential property. Officers then claimed that they saw him carrying mail while leaving the premises. However, Cheng quickly tossed the stash on the sidewalk and ran when he was spotted, added the outlet, citing court documents.

Prosecutors said NYPD eventually caught up with Cheng and “observed a bulge” in his jacket pocket with what “appeared to be checks,” pointed The Sun U.K.

Nine Economic Impact Payments (EIP), or stimulus checks, worth $12,000 were allegedly found in Cheng's possession. Officers also discovered that he also had credit cards, opened envelopes and letters bearing the names of different people and mail addresses.

While being investigated, Cheng told police that he was delivering food to someone that he knew from the building. He then changed his explanation and told authorities that he was waiting for someone in the building.

Cheng then changed his story for the third time, claiming that he was a resident of the building. The criminal complaint added that officers discovered that Cheng had an open bench warrant in New York for a criminal case involving identity theft after he told them his name and birthdate.

“For many families, these stimulus checks are a lifeline in these difficult times and anyone who tries to cut that lifeline will face the full weight of the law,” said Untied States Attorney Richard P. Donoghue.

At the same time, he relayed his efforts and that of his office to “vigorously prosecute” anyone who “takes advantage” of the ongoing health crisis.

Donoghue also commended the NYPD for their swift action and service despite under difficult conditions.

Cheng was charged with theft of mail and could face up to five years in prison if convicted, said the Washington Times.