A recent federal indictment has exposed a large-scale fraud operation where several individuals allegedly stole checks from mailboxes in Oklahoma City and used them to illegally obtain large sums of money. The group reportedly used a stolen postal key to access mail deposit boxes and forged checks to withdraw cash from banks. The indictment reveals the involvement of several individuals across different states, with severe legal consequences if they are convicted.
The Fraud Scheme
The fraud operation began in 2022 when a key used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) to open mail deposit boxes was stolen. This key, known as an “arrow key,” gave the criminals access to secure mailboxes, enabling them to steal letters, packages, and especially checks. Derry Lee Davis, one of the accused, is believed to have been the person who initially possessed the stolen USPS arrow key.
Once they had access to the stolen checks, Davis, along with co-conspirators like Antajaun Monzelle Brown, Jr. and Amaurion Ramone Norment, altered the information on the checks to make them appear valid. This allowed them to deposit the checks into bank accounts belonging to others involved in the scheme. In return for allowing these checks to be deposited into their accounts, the individuals received a portion of the stolen money.
To expand their operation, Davis, Brown, and Norment used social media to recruit others to participate in the fraud. They advertised the scheme to people willing to open their bank accounts for deposits of the forged checks. Dazjuan Jerae Demond Matthews, Amarion Adrione Whiteside, Olivernaesha Olieah Woods, Lorenzo Jones IV, and Matei Leann Bass are among those who allegedly participated by letting the stolen money flow into their accounts.
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The Charges and Consequences
Eight individuals have been charged in connection with the conspiracy. The most serious charge is conspiracy to commit bank fraud, which could lead to a prison sentence of up to 30 years for each defendant. In addition to the conspiracy charge, some defendants face other counts.
Davis has been charged with bank fraud, possession of a forged security (the altered checks), possession of a stolen USPS key, and possession of stolen mail. If convicted of all charges, he could face up to 30 years for bank fraud and up to 25 years for the other charges.
Brown, Jr. faces four counts of bank fraud, along with charges for possession of a forged security and possession of stolen mail. He could be sentenced to up to 30 years in prison for each bank fraud charge and up to 15 years for the other charges.
Norment faces seven counts of bank fraud and one charge for possession of a forged security. He could face up to 30 years for each count of bank fraud and up to 10 years for the other charge.
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The charges against each of the individuals vary depending on their involvement in the scheme, but all of them face serious prison time if convicted.
The Investigation and Legal Process
The United States Postal Inspection Service led the investigation into this widespread fraud operation. Their efforts to track down the criminals and gather evidence were critical in bringing the charges forward. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jackson D. Eldridge is handling the prosecution of the case.
The indictment highlights how the conspiracy caused significant harm to financial institutions and individuals alike. By targeting the mail system, these criminals exploited a vulnerable system for personal gain. The severity of the charges shows the seriousness with which the law treats crimes involving theft, fraud, and financial manipulation.
As the case moves forward, the individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. However, the case serves as a reminder of the growing concern around mail fraud and the lengths to which criminals will go to exploit systems for financial gain.
The investigation is ongoing, and more details may emerge as the legal process unfolds. For now, the accused individuals will face the consequences of their actions in the legal system, and the public is reminded of the serious nature of these types of financial crimes.
