PHILADELPHIA, PA — Four individuals involved in a sophisticated scheme to steal, alter, and deposit checks taken from U.S. mail collection boxes have been sentenced to prison, bringing a firm conclusion to an operation that caused significant financial losses and undermined trust in the postal system.
United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero confirmed the sentences of Naod Tsegay, 25, of Collingdale, Pennsylvania; Fode Bangoura, 23, and Zyier Williams, 21, both of Philadelphia; and Najae Thomas, 24, also of Philadelphia, following their convictions for bank fraud, possession of stolen mail, and other related offenses. The punishments reflect the severity of their crimes, with stolen and altered checks totaling over $350,000 in intended loss.
Details of the Scheme
From March to June 2021, Tsegay, Bangoura, and Williams orchestrated a criminal plan targeting blue USPS collection boxes in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. After stealing personal and business checks, the conspirators altered the checks by fraudulently increasing their amounts and changing the payee information before depositing them into bank accounts provided by recruited accomplices. Fraudulent withdrawals were then made from these accounts, with the stolen funds transferred back to the conspirators.
Authorities seized dozens of stolen checks from Tsegay, along with three USPS Arrow Keys — tools that can unlock postal collection boxes across designated areas. Evidence showed Tsegay deposited over $150,000 in fraudulent fund attempts during this scheme. Similarly, Thomas operated her own check-washing criminal enterprise, intending to steal more than $200,000 from altered checks taken from USPS mailboxes in Pennsylvania and Delaware. When apprehended, Thomas possessed hundreds of stolen checks and four Arrow Keys.
Sentencing and Restitution
The sentences take into account the varying roles each defendant played in the wide-reaching conspiracy:
- Naod Tsegay, identified as the ringleader, was sentenced on November 20, 2024, to 42 months in prison, five years of supervised release, and restitution of $11,811. He had pleaded guilty to multiple charges earlier in the year, including bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, possession of stolen mail, and possession of the USPS Arrow Keys.
- Fode Bangoura and Zyier Williams, who each played supporting roles in the operation, were sentenced in March 2024. Bangoura received six months of imprisonment, five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $7,711 in restitution after a guilty plea to bank fraud. Williams, sentenced similarly to six months of incarceration and five years of supervised release, was required to pay $4,100.
- Najae Thomas, working independently but in contact with Tsegay, pleaded guilty to bank fraud, identity theft, and possession of stolen mail. Last month, Thomas was sentenced to 61 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $61,688 in restitution.
Addressing the Impact
The damage caused by these operations extended beyond financial loss. The increased targeting of blue USPS collection boxes endangered public trust in the security of the nation’s mail system and contributed to identity theft crimes.
“When Naod Tsegay, the ringleader of this scheme, was arrested, police recovered multiple stolen keys capable of unlocking every blue USPS box across four local zip codes,” stated U.S. Attorney Romero. “The amount of mail stolen and the number of checks these defendants sought to alter and cash is significant. My office, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and our partners won’t allow criminals who target the U.S. Postal Service to disrupt the nation’s mail system and commit identity theft with impunity. These cases demonstrate that we will prosecute, and you will be held accountable.”
Collaborative Law Enforcement Efforts
The investigation, which spanned multiple agencies, was spearheaded by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Significant assistance was provided by the Yeadon Borough Police Department during the apprehension of Tsegay, further ensuring that those responsible would be brought to justice. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Rice prosecuted the case, demonstrating a commitment to holding accountable those who exploit the public through crimes against the postal system.
These sentences serve as a warning to would-be offenders that mail-related crimes will not go unchecked. The collaborative efforts of federal and local agencies have reinforced the integrity of the postal system and the protection of citizens’ financial security.
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