APD Operation Leads to Eight Arrests and Recovery of Massive Stolen Property

A months long investigation by the Austin Police’s (APD) North Metro Tactical Unit has culminated in the dismantling of an organized criminal enterprise responsible for a wide range of offenses, including mail theft, identity fraud, narcotics trafficking and firearms violations.

The investigation began on May 15, 2026, when officers responded to an attempted fraudulent purchase at a local jewelry store. Two suspects, a male and a female, attempted to use a stolen bank card to purchase merchandise. North Metro Tactical Unit officers identified the pair, beginning a probe that eventually uncovered a sophisticated criminal operation.

The group was found to be involved in the large-scale manufacturing of counterfeit U.S. Postal Service "Arrow Keys," which allowed them to access secure mailboxes across the region. Due to the federal nature of the postal-related crimes, the North Metro Tactical Unit collaborated closely with the United States Postal Inspection Service throughout the investigation.

Early in the investigation, officers discovered the suspects had used a stolen identity to lease an apartment in North Austin. On May 25, 2026, officers observed a vehicle leaving the residence and conducted a traffic stop at a nearby ATM, where the driver was attempting to use a stolen bank card.

During the stop, officers arrested Matthew Smart on an outstanding warrant for Credit Card Abuse related to the attempted fraudulent jewelry purchase on May 15, 2026. A passenger, Jennifer Craig, was arrested for Manufacture or Delivery of a Controlled Substance after narcotics were discovered in the vehicle. Officers also seized evidence of mail theft, fraud, and narcotics trafficking. A search warrant for the apartment produced a significant amount of additional evidence related to the investigation.

On June 8, 2026, Officers received information that the suspects were still occupying the fraudulently leased apartment, officers obtained an arrest warrant for Matthew Herrington, charging him with Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identifying Information. Herrington was arrested at a car stop and further evidence was recovered. A second search warrant for the apartment resulted in the seizure of another large volume of evidence.
 
The investigation expanded on June 10, 2026, officers executed a search warrant for the three storage units in Round Rock, Texas. One unit had been rented using another stolen identity. Officers recovered a firearm and additional evidence.

On June 15, 2026, officers arrested a known associate of the group, Bryttni Williford on several active arrest warrants. As the investigation continued, officers obtained additional arrest warrants for Matthew Herrington and Jennifer Jeansonne with additional charges.

On July 2, 2026, Officers initiated surveillance at a new identified apartment and three separate traffic stops resulted in the arrests of Matthew Herrington and Jennifer Jeansonne on their outstanding warrants, as well as the arrest of Michael Dodd on an unrelated theft warrant. Following these stops, officers executed a search warrant for a new apartment, where they seized further evidence and arrested Nicole Patrick for Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance and John Waring for Unlawful Conduct Involving a Mail Receptacle Key or Lock.

As a result of the investigation, officers seized a significant volume of evidence including:

• 17 counterfeit "Arrow Keys" in various stages of production
• 700 pieces of stolen mail from 250 different addresses
• 10,000 business and personal checks
• 115 suspected stolen bank cards and 50 stolen identifications
• 1,000 additional pieces of personal identifying information
• 1.4 pounds of suspected methamphetamine and/or fentanyl
• 9 firearms
• Evidence of fraud and counterfeiting to include laptops, printers, and embosser, a key cutting machine, check stock and forged checks.
• Evidence of burglaries and thefts that include a large amount of vehicle keys, burglary tools, bulk pieces of copper and brass as well as conduit, bicycles, collectibles, etc.

Officers also recovered and returned a 1947 British Army motorcycle, a 1959 Cushman Eagle motor scooter, and an enclosed trailer to a burglary victim.

To date, the investigation has resulted in the arrest of eight individuals on a variety of charges, including mail theft, possession of counterfeit keys, identity theft, narcotics trafficking, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
 
The most recent arrest occurred on July 21, 2026, when Cedar Park Police officers received an Automatic License Plate Reader alert for Herrington’s vehicle. They arrested Herrington following a vehicle and foot pursuit. He was issued new charges of Evading Arrest or Detention.

Here the booking pictures and charges filed to date, with additional charges expected:

Austin Police (APD) is currently working to identify the rightful owners of various recovered items. Following, photos of these items. Anyone who recognizes these belongings is urged to contact the North Metro Tactical Unit at APDNorthMetroTac@austintexas.gov