Up to date Aug. 26, 2026: BigRig added new particulars from the U.S. Legal professional’s Workplace for the Southern District of Texas.
Federal prosecutors accuse three Houston U.S. Postal Service carriers of stealing checks value practically $24 million. A federal grand jury charged 5 folks within the Southern District of Texas on Aug. 19. The indictment describes a scheme involving $23,973,338.15 in stolen checks. Prosecutors say the group supplied these devices via Telegram and used FedEx for deliveries.
The court docket submitting names Tryston Tremaine Vaughn, Catherine Clauzelle Kilpatrick, Drakkor Jamar Alexander, Malcolm Tiree Joubert and Alyssa Nadine Bryant. Kilpatrick, Alexander and Joubert labored as Postal Service carriers, in accordance with the indictment. Vaughn and Bryant allegedly bought stolen checks from the workers. The group then marketed them via a Telegram channel referred to as “slipsandchips.”
Checks moved from mail routes to on-line patrons
Federal prosecutors declare Vaughn recruited the carriers to take away checks from Houston supply routes. The alleged conspiracy started round October 2022 and continued via September 2024. Courtroom data state that members shipped checks to patrons throughout the nation via FedEx. The submitting doesn’t establish the patrons or unnamed co-conspirators.
One rely facilities on a verify value $1,517,875.27. Prosecutors accuse Joubert of taking that BMO Financial institution verify from the mail throughout Could 2024. The indictment additionally lists smaller checks tied to Chase, Amegy Financial institution, Citibank and Stellar Financial institution. It doesn’t state how a lot patrons paid for the stolen devices.
A grand jury returned 9 counts in opposition to the 5 defendants. All face expenses of conspiracy to commit financial institution fraud and financial institution fraud. Kilpatrick, Alexander and Joubert additionally face expenses for theft of mail matter by a postal worker. An indictment comprises accusations, and every defendant stays presumed harmless until confirmed responsible.
Federal submitting particulars alleged roles
FBI brokers labored alongside the U.S. Postal Service Workplace of Inspector Common and Postal Inspection Service. Treasury OIG and the Treasury Inspector Common for Tax Administration additionally assisted. Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Workplace and police departments in Houston and Stafford joined the investigation. The U.S. Legal professional’s Workplace for the Southern District of Texas advised BigRig that Vaughn stays the one defendant in custody.
Reitz stated, “USPS carriers took an oath to guard and faithfully ship the mail.” He referred to as the allegations a “suspected calculated betrayal of public belief.” Federal prosecutors haven’t accused FedEx of wrongdoing. Officers declined to launch additional images or case supplies.
Why it issues
Freight and parcel professionals face rising dangers when criminals use reliable transportation networks to maneuver fraud-related supplies. This case exhibits how insider entry, on-line gross sales channels and cargo providers can work collectively.
Click on right here for extra articles on cargo theft and freight fraud by Editor.
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