Forest Park, IL – A joint investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Forest Park Police Department led to the November 28, 2023, arrest of Devan Flax, 20, of Chicago, IL. Flax was identified as a suspect in the November 25, 2023, armed robbery of a letter carrier on the 900 block of Beloit Avenue, as well as the November 28, 2023, armed robbery of a letter carrier on the 1100 block of Beloit Avenue, Forest Park, IL.

A search of Flax’s person revealed he possessed stolen U.S. Mail. Postal inspectors and Forest Park Police also recovered stolen postal keys and a firearm that Flax attempted to discard immediately prior to his arrest. Flax has been charged by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office with the following: two counts of Armed Robbery, one count of Aggravated Robbery, and three counts of Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon.

“This operation is a successful example of the role the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and our law enforcement partners play in seeking and attaining justice on behalf of Postal Service employees and customers,” says Ruth M. Mendonça, Inspector in Charge of the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is dedicated to defending the nation’s mail system from criminal activity, preserving the integrity of the U.S. Mail, and protecting United States Postal Service employees. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service values our law enforcement partners for supporting our mission.

It is important to note that criminal charges are only allegations against a person. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.