Alleged Mail Thief Formally Charged

Jeffrey Thomas Smith, who was after allegedly stealing mail from mailboxes in Northfield and several neighboring cities, was formally charged in Rice County District Court on Monday. 

Smith, 38, of Dubuque, IA, is charged with mail theft, a felony, which carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison and/or $5,000 fine. He is also charged with fleeing a peace officer, a misdemeanor, which carries a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail and/or $1,000 fine.

When questioned by a county deputy responding to two calls placed about him last Friday, Smith allegedly ran into the woods, despite commands that he return for questioning, according to a criminal complaint filed with the court. After being tracked by a county K-9, Smith surrendered and was taken into custody without incident.

The Sheriff's Office searched Smith and allegedly found more than 35 pieces of mail on or near his belongings. The mail was addressed to residents from Northfield, Lakeville, Prior Lake, Elko and other surrounding areas.

Smith is being held in Rice County Jail on a $10,000 bond without conditions or a $1,000 bond with conditions. His next court appearance is Aug. 29.

Anyone who has been a victim of mail theft in the past two weeks and lives in the communities listed above is asked to call their local law enforcement agency.

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