Order of Detention Issued for Alleged Mail Thief

According to a complaint from the Rice County District Court, an order of detention has been issued for Jeffrey Thomas Smith, who was after allegedly stealing mail from mailboxes in Lakeville and several neighboring cities.

Smith, 38, of Dubuque, IA, is charged with mail theft, a felony with a maximum sentence of three years in prison and a $5,000 fine. He is also charged with fleeing a peace officer, a misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail and a $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. 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 remains at Rice County Jail. His order of detention states probable cause. No bail or conditions of release were listed in the complaint, nor was a scheduled court date included in the complaint.

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.