‘bonnie and clyde’ mail thief gets 3½ to 7 years for queens mailbox burglaries
US Postal Service Mailbox - Photo by USPS

‘Bonnie and Clyde’ mail thief gets 3½ to 7 years for Queens mailbox burglaries

by
April 15, 2025
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District Attorney Katz encouraged anyone affected by mail theft or identity fraud to report incidents to local precincts and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

QUEENS, NY — A Hicksville man accused of stealing mail in a five-month burglary spree across Queens was sentenced to 3½ to 7 years in prison Tuesday, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced.

Brandon Sestoso, 43, pleaded guilty to third-degree burglary on March 24 in connection with thefts from apartment mailrooms in Sunnyside, Woodside, Jackson Heights, and Elmhurst. Between April and August 2024, Sestoso used forged keys to open mailbox panels and steal packages, checks, and personal items, stuffing them into large bags before fleeing each scene.

Sestoso and his alleged partner, Rowena Farkas, 44, were dubbed the “Bonnie and Clyde” of mail theft by law enforcement. Farkas was indicted alongside Sestoso on September 20, 2024, but failed to appear in court this February. A bench warrant was issued for her arrest on February 20.

“At the time this defendant was arrested by our partners in the NYPD, he was found in possession of 23 credit and debit cards that did not match his identity,” said DA Katz. She added, “We are laser focused on targeting those who steal identities, hard-earned paychecks and benefits.”

The investigation found that Sestoso hit mailrooms at buildings on 51st Street in Sunnyside, 75th Street in Jackson Heights, 60th Street in Woodside, 44th Avenue in Elmhurst, and 79th Street in Elmhurst. He was arrested on September 7, 2024, near 35th Avenue and 84th Street in Jackson Heights after fleeing NYPD officers on foot.

Stolen mail, forged keys and credit cards recovered

Authorities recovered 23 stolen credit and debit cards, three forged mail keys, and burglar’s tools from Sestoso at the time of his arrest. He was sentenced by Supreme Court Justice Toni M. Cimino under a global plea deal resolving multiple burglary charges.

Key Points

  • Brandon Sestoso was sentenced to 3½ to 7 years for a string of mailbox burglaries in Queens.
  • Sestoso used forged keys to access apartment mail and stole valuable items with an accomplice.
  • His co-defendant, Rowena Farkas, remains at large after failing to appear in court in February.
Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

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