Chicago man accused of mail theft, burglary allegedly found with USPS master key during arrest

CHICAGO — A Chicago man accused in several burglary and mail theft incidents on the North Side and Loop last year is now facing felony charges after authorities say he was allegedly caught with a letter carrier’s master key.

Jeremy Zaloun, a 50-year-old Chicago resident, has been charged with one felony count of burglary and one felony count of possession of burglary tools, officials from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) announced Tuesday.

The charges against Zaloun were handed down following a joint operation by the USPIS and the Chicago Police Department.

According to investigators, Zaloun was arrested in connection with an unrelated burglary and mail theft incident and while in custody, he was identified as the suspect allegedly involved in a handful of additional incidents in the Loop and on the North Side starting back in 2024.

Zaloun was indicted on July 10.

Additionally, during his arrest for the unrelated mail theft, officials said he was allegedly found in possession of a genuine postal arrow key, which allows postal workers to unlock mailboxes in a specific zip code.

“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is dedicated to defending the nation’s mail system from criminal activity, protecting United States Postal Service employees, and preserving the integrity of the U.S. Mail,” Ruth Mendonça, Inspector in Charge, Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, said. “We value our law enforcement partners for supporting our mission.”

Authorities have not provided a booking photo for Zaloun.

Anyone who worries they may have fallen victim to mail theft is urged to contact the Postal Inspection Service online or by phone at 877-876-2455.