DiNapoli: California Parcel Worker Arrested for Allegedly Stealing $120K in Checks

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and the Chula Vista Police Department announced the arrest of Deangelo Anderson Rodriguez, a San Diego-based parcel service employee, for allegedly stealing $120,000 in checks, including a $24,632.84 check issued by the New York State 529 College Savings Program and 24 payroll checks, while working in a parcel distribution center. Rodriguez, 25, of Chula Vista, was charged with grand theft, identity theft, and forgery.

"At a time when students are struggling to meet the rising costs of higher education, Deangelo Anderson Rodriguez allegedly stole a grandparent's savings meant to help their granddaughter pay her college tuition," DiNapoli said. "New York's 529 program helps people save for their loved ones' higher education, and my office will not tolerate any attempts to defraud it. My thanks to the Chula Vista Police Department for their partnership and ensuring he will be held accountable."

"This successful investigation highlights the importance of collaboration in solving complex cases. I'm proud of the work our Property Crimes detectives did alongside our partners to bring this individual to justice and protect victims from further harm," Chula Vista Police Department Acting Chief Dan Peak said.

Comptroller DiNapoli's office, along with the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation, oversees and administers New York's 529 College Savings Program, a vital program to promote savings for higher education. Earnings on contributions grow tax free and withdrawals are not taxed if used for qualified educational expenses.

In September 2025, a New York 529 account owner sent a 529 check for $24,632.84 to his granddaughter's college in California via the parcel service to pay her tuition. When the granddaughter attempted to register for classes, she was unable to do so because her tuition bill had not been paid. Once DiNapoli's Division of Investigations was notified about the missing check, it commenced a joint investigation with the Chula Vista Police Department.

The investigation and DiNapoli's forensic analysis found that Rodriguez, who was working in a parcel service distribution center in Chula Vista not only allegedly stole the 529 College Savings Program check, but also allegedly stole 24 payroll checks that were dropped off for pickup at the facility, along with checks that were sent through the parcel service's logistics system.

Rodriguez was arraigned in San Diego Superior Court.

The charges filed in this case are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Since taking office in 2007, DiNapoli has committed to fighting public corruption and encourages the public to help fight fraud and abuse. New Yorkers can report allegations of fraud involving taxpayer money by calling the toll-free Fraud Hotline at 1-888-672-4555, by emailing a complaint to [email protected]or by mailing a complaint to: Office of the State Comptroller, Division of Investigations, 8th Floor, 110 State St., Albany, NY 12236.