Perry Police Department advise community to pay digital after check fraud scheme hits town

PERRY — In September 2025, the Perry Police Department obtained multiple reports from residents that their checks were stolen after being mailed from the Perry Post Office. 

Police said about 15 to 20 people in the city and Houston County were affected. 

Perry Police warned residents to remain cautious when mailing checks or other financial documents, and suggested the public find another way to make payments.  

Det. Collin Howard of the Perry Police Department said when mailing a check, people should use alternatives to the window envelopes or pay digitally. 

“If at all possible, do not mail a check at all,” Howard told the Journal. “Pay any kind of bill with a card to prevent a check being stolen.” 

Law enforcement launched its initial investigation after finding a pattern in the stolen checks, according to a press release from the department.

As a result, detectives identified a stolen mail, check theft and check fraud scheme.  

Howard, a lead investigator on the case, said detectives believe someone had access to the post office master key and stole checks on weekends or late at night. He said while possible, it is unknown if there were any connections between the post office and the perpetrators.  

Howard said the department used software to identify the suspects.

Law enforcement arrested Exivaes Doral Robinson, 31, and Kevon Lemond Holmes, 30, both of Leesburg, Kevonte Demtrius Downs, 25, of Sylvester and Diamond Sandrell Byrd, 32, of Albany for financial identity fraud and theft by deception. 

Cory Antonio Thomas, 34, Reshonda Renee Taylor, 30, Lorenzo Oliver James, 27, and Gregory D. Jackson, 34, of Albany, along with Na’Quavus Shannoris Taylor, 26, of Leesburg, have warrants out for their arrest for related crimes. 

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on the locations of the individuals with outstanding warrants should contact Macon Regional Crimestoppers at crimestop.us or 1-877-68CRIME.