Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — A joint investigation into stolen mail in Baldwin County led to the arrest of a Foley man accused of targeting dozens of residents. Gulf Shores Police Department, the Foley Police Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service worked together on the case. Authorities said the thefts affected people across the county. Most of the victims live in the West Fort Morgan area of Gulf Shores.

According to Gulf Shores Police, the investigation began on November 17, 2025, when inspectors from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service contacted the department’s Criminal Investigations Division about reports of stolen U.S. mail. Detectives from Gulf Shores and Foley quickly joined the federal inspectors. Together, they focused on finding the missing mail and identifying who was responsible.

Investigators said they recovered stolen mail from a vehicle used by a postal service contractor. Detectives from the Foley and Gulf Shores Police Departments then obtained a search warrant for a residence in Foley. During that search, they found more stolen mail, linking the residence to the ongoing thefts.

Police identified the suspect as Bryant Douglas Nugent, 29, of Foley. Nugent was arrested and charged with two counts of felony mail theft. Officers noted that Alabama’s new mail theft law, which took effect on October 1, allows the crime to be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. The level of the charge depends on how many different addresses are involved.

Detectives determined that about 72 residences were impacted by the thefts. Officials said most of these addresses are in the West Fort Morgan area of Gulf Shores, but the case affects Baldwin County residents more broadly. The U.S. Postal Service has contacted those whose mail was taken to notify them of the situation.

Gulf Shores Police said in a statement that the case highlights how agencies can work together to protect the public. The department credited the professionalism and dedication of federal and local partners for helping to safeguard residents from the harm caused by these offenses. Officers said that cooperation was essential to moving quickly once the thefts were discovered.

The investigation is still active as detectives and postal inspectors continue to review evidence and follow up on leads. Officials are asking anyone with information about the case to contact the Gulf Shores Police Department. Tips can be reported by calling 251-968-2431 or by emailing gspdpio@gulfshoresal.gov.