Postal Service worker aids in check thefts from mail delivery, trades mailbox access to multiple individuals
In a series of events that unfolded between August 2022 and August 2023, Cambria M. Hopkins, a former postal carrier in Clayton, Missouri, admitted to stealing mail and selling access to mail collection boxes as part of a scheme to obtain personal information and business checks.
Hopkins, who is currently awaiting sentencing, sold checks she had stolen from letters to Malik A. Jones on multiple occasions. The checks were obtained through theft from her postal routes and from the post office. Jones, who is also awaiting sentencing, pleaded guilty to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft on Oct. 25.
Jones paid Hopkins in cash, through CashApp, or by buying her groceries. He also admitted to recruiting people to let him deposit stolen checks using their bank accounts. Jones paid others to steal mail using Hopkins' key, according to authorities.
The Department of Justice issued a release regarding Hopkins' guilty plea. Hopkins pleaded guilty to one conspiracy charge and one unlawful use of a mail key charge. The conspiracy charge carries up to five years in prison, while the mail key charge carries up to 10 years.
On March 20, 2022, Hopkins sold her "arrow key" to Malik A. Jones, granting him access to mail collection boxes that she shared with him.
Hopkins' sentencing date is scheduled for Dec. 1. Jones is also awaiting sentencing.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding personal and financial information, and the severe consequences that come with violating trust and the law.
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