A Chugiak couple was charged Friday in connection with a series of Birchwood mail thefts. Bradley Tucker, 18, was charged with second-degree theft and taken to the Anchorage Correctional Facility East. His bail was set at $25,000. Leah M. Brown, 19, was cited and released on theft charges. Tucker is also expected to face federal charges after being found in possession of stolen mail in their Chugiak apartment.

Anchorage Police spokesman Ron McGee said the U.S. Postal Inspector is working on federal charges in the case.

"Those usually carry a stiffer sentence," said McGee.

He said police believe the thefts took place over a span of several weeks.

Jeff Scobba, spokesman for the postal inspectors office in Seattle, said because the investigation is ongoing, he could not release information on any possible federal charges Tucker may face. He also would not disclose the amount of mail was stolen or how many residents were victimized, saying the release of such information could impede the ongoing investigation.

"What I can say is that for each federal count (of theft of mail) there is usually a minimum sentence of five years," Scobba said.

McGee said the investigation involved "a large amount of mail from several residences."

Police officers received a tip from a neighbor last week about stolen mail stored at Tucker's apartment on Birchwood Loop Road, McGee said. Police contacted Brown, whom the informant said had knowledge of the mail thefts, and questioned her.

McGee said police learned Bradley had been allegedly taking mail from several residences and stealing things such as gift cards, credit cards, checks and airline tickets.

One of the victims was Bobbi Wells of Birchwood. She said she found out Saturday that mail had been stolen from her when she received a call from her credit card company about possible identity theft. She said the company had received four used checks - the kind often sent out with credit card statements. Since she had never used them before and the activity looked suspicious, her credit card company called her, she said.

"The one I was able to provide for the officers was written to Pizza Man for almost $50, dated July 8, and was for a pizza delivery," said Wells. She said police were able to link the check back to Tucker's residence via an obvious clue. "Written on the face of the check was the telephone number and address of where the pizza was delivered to!"

McGee said at least one more piece of Wells' mail, a $50 day spa certificate, was found in Brown's custody, prompting the theft charge.

Wells said the mail thief was selective and even returned opened mail to her mailbox at times.

"Until I got the call from my credit card company, I didn't know I was missing anything," Wells said.

McGee said anyone who feels they might have been a victim of mail theft should call 786-8500.

Reach the reporter at greg.dart@alaskastar.com.