MADISON COUNTY, Fla. – A wide-ranging investigation into stolen mail and fraudulent debit card use has led to multiple arrests and the seizure of drugs, stolen prescriptions, and large volumes of mail, Madison County Sheriff David Harper announced.
The case began December 19, 2025, when deputies with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of missing mail and suspicious bank activity. The victim told deputies her new debit card never arrived, yet transactions were appearing on her account. Investigators traced the fraudulent activity to a local Ace Hardware store in Madison, where surveillance video identified Michael Allen Schreiner as the individual using the stolen card.
Schreiner was located and arrested on charges including criminal use or possession of another person’s identification and two counts of petit theft. Shortly after his arrest, the sheriff’s office began receiving additional reports of mail theft across the county.
Investigators learned a small white four-door vehicle, possibly a Volkswagen, had been seen near several theft locations. On December 29, a second stolen debit card was reported being used at multiple businesses, providing additional surveillance footage. Two suspects were identified, and arrest warrants were obtained along with a search warrant for a white four-door Volkswagen.
Deputies located the vehicle at a residence on Northeast Mace Way in Lee and arrested Frankie Belinda Mathis on charges of fraudulent use of a credit card. A search of her vehicle uncovered stolen mail, including Braille audiobooks for the blind, stolen debit cards, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. Mathis was charged with additional offenses, including possession of methamphetamine and possession of personal identification belonging to another.
A second suspect, Steven Roy Merritt, was later located and arrested. Further investigation led deputies to believe additional evidence and suspects were connected to the same residence in Lee. A search warrant for the home was executed January 13, 2026, by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team.
During the search, investigators found large quantities of stolen mail, items purchased with stolen debit cards, additional stolen credit and debit cards, and prescription medications mailed to victims, including multiple breathing treatment inhalers. Methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia were also recovered. Four additional suspects, including Rebecca Bearden and Jonathan Cruce, were taken into custody at the scene.
Sheriff Harper said the agency is working closely with United States Postal Service inspectors to return recovered mail to its intended recipients and pursue possible federal charges.
Authorities believe there may be additional victims who have not yet reported mail theft. Residents are urged to monitor their financial accounts, confirm delivery of mailed debit or gift cards, and report suspicious activity to Madison County Sheriff’s Office investigators.
Multiple suspects now face charges ranging from mail theft and fraudulent use of credit cards to possession of methamphetamine, stolen prescription medications, and drug paraphernalia. The investigation remains ongoing.
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