The Package Trap
A broken lock on a Houston storage unit led to stolen passports, compromised accounts, and the exposure of an organized identity theft ring.
Closed Case
Moving Plans Turned Into Identity Nightmare
The client was preparing to relocate to Houston. Her belongings were safely stored in a local storage facility—or so she thought.
The discovery came during a routine check. The lock was broken. The unit had been ransacked. Missing items included passports and critical personal identification documents.
Within days, the red flags started appearing. Unauthorized two-step verification emails flooded her inbox. Her Amazon account showed purchases she never made, shipping to addresses she’d never seen.
Then the client noticed something useful buried in the compromised account details—one delivery address where her stolen information was being used. Packages ordered with her identity were going to a specific Houston location.
The client had the address. What she needed was proof of who was behind the theft and evidence strong enough for criminal prosecution.
The client contacted TJS Private Investigations to identify the criminals and document their activities.
Building a Criminal Case from a Single Address
The client provided one critical lead: an address where stolen packages were being delivered. Our team needed to identify who lived there, document their criminal history, and capture evidence of ongoing fraud.
Surveillance had to be timed perfectly. Package deliveries are unpredictable, and the perpetrator would only appear when merchandise arrived. Miss the moment, and we’d lose the evidence.
We also needed to coordinate with law enforcement. The evidence had to meet criminal prosecution standards—chain of custody, professional documentation, and comprehensive background analysis that would hold up in court.
The investigation required extensive criminal database searches, multi-day surveillance operations, and careful evidence preservation protocols. This wasn’t just about identifying a thief—it was about exposing an organized operation.
Burglary to Fraud
What started as a storage unit break-in escalated into systematic identity theft with unauthorized purchases and compromised accounts across multiple platforms
Criminal Network
Background investigation revealed the suspect had extensive prior convictions for fraud and theft—and wasn't working alone...
Caught on Camera
Two-day surveillance captured the perpetrator retrieving stolen packages, providing law enforcement with evidence for criminal prosecution.
From Background Checks to Surveillance Payoff
Our investigation began with the suspect address. Property records analysis identified the residential occupants.
Criminal Background Discovery: Comprehensive database searches revealed critical information. One primary occupant had extensive criminal history including prior fraud and theft convictions. This wasn’t an opportunistic burglar—this was an experienced criminal with a documented pattern.
Additional occupants at the residence also showed criminal backgrounds. The evidence pointed to an organized operation, not a solo act.
The Surveillance Setup: Our team deployed for multi-day surveillance at the suspect residence. Professional positioning allowed covert observation of all delivery activities.
Day one: No package deliveries. The team maintained position and documented residential patterns.
Day Two – The Evidence: A delivery truck arrived. Our cameras were ready.
The suspect emerged from the residence and retrieved the package—merchandise purchased through the client’s compromised Amazon account. The perpetrator’s face was clearly visible. The package tracking number matched the client’s stolen account.
Video and photographic documentation captured the entire sequence. Chain of custody maintained. Evidence secured.
Digital Forensics Analysis: Parallel investigation of the client’s compromised accounts revealed the fraud timeline. The Amazon account showed unauthorized purchases beginning days after the storage unit burglary. Two-step verification attempts indicated the criminals were systematically trying to access multiple accounts using stolen identification documents.
The pattern suggested organized methodology—targeting storage facilities, stealing identity documents, then exploiting those documents for immediate financial gain through online purchasing fraud.
Criminal Charges and Organized Fraud Exposed
Background investigation revealed the primary suspect had extensive prior convictions for fraud and theft, with additional residential occupants showing criminal histories suggesting an organized network.
Surveillance documentation included video and photographic evidence of the suspect retrieving packages at the residence, timestamped delivery confirmation matching the client’s compromised account, and professional evidence handling meeting law enforcement standards for criminal prosecution.
Digital forensics showed the complete fraud timeline from storage unit burglary through account compromise and unauthorized purchases. Analysis revealed systematic targeting of personal identification documents for immediate exploitation.
The evidence supported multiple criminal charges including burglary, theft, and fraud. Documentation was suitable for both local police and Houston Police Department investigation.
“Seeing him pick up that package—knowing it was ordered with my stolen identity—that was the proof I needed,” the client said. “TJS didn’t just find who did this. They built the case that put him in handcuffs.”
The comprehensive evidence package was delivered to law enforcement. Criminal charges were filed based on the investigation findings. The surveillance footage became central evidence in prosecution.
The case also revealed a broader criminal operation. Evidence suggested the network was systematically targeting storage facilities to steal personal documents for fraud schemes. Law enforcement expanded their investigation based on TJS findings.
The client received guidance on fraud prevention, account security measures, and civil recovery options. Her stolen identity was being used criminally—but now the criminals faced consequences.
Need Help With an Identity Theft Investigation?
Storage unit break-ins. Missing identification documents. Unauthorized account access appearing across your digital life.
Identity theft doesn’t stop at the burglary—it’s just the beginning of systematic fraud.
At TJS Private Investigations, we specialize in identity theft investigations that expose criminal networks and provide evidence for successful prosecution. Our Houston-based services provide:
Criminal background analysis using extensive database searches to identify perpetrators and criminal histories
Multi-day surveillance operations capturing evidence of fraud activities and package theft
Digital forensics consultation analyzing compromised accounts and unauthorized access patterns
Evidence documentation protocols maintaining chain of custody and professional standards for court proceedings
Law enforcement coordination preparing comprehensive packages suitable for criminal prosecution
Criminal network analysis identifying organized operations and potential co-conspirators
Fraud timeline reconstruction documenting criminal activities from theft through exploitation
Professional testimony preparation supporting criminal cases with expert witness documentation
Contact TJS Private Investigations today. Turn suspicion into evidence, and evidence into justice.
All case details have been modified to protect client confidentiality while preserving the investigative integrity of the case. TJS Private Investigations serves the greater Houston area with professional, discreet investigation services.
Contact Us Your Way
Getting help shouldn’t be complicated. We make starting your case easy—so you can get the answers and peace of mind you deserve.
