HARRISBURG, PA — Attorney General Michelle Henry announced on Friday the indictment of numerous members and associates of the “SaySlide” criminal organization. The group, based in the Ogontz and Oak Lane neighborhoods of Philadelphia, is alleged to have used violence to carry out a theft and fraud scheme targeting United States Postal Service (USPS) drop boxes.
The charges follow a month-long Grand Jury investigation.
The “SaySlide” enterprise allegedly revolved around stealing master keys, known as arrow keys, for blue USPS drop boxes in Philadelphia and nearby suburbs such as Willow Grove and Blue Bell. The defendants are accused of emptying these boxes, stealing checks from envelopes, and altering them for payouts to “SaySlide” members.
Fifteen members and associates, including alleged ring-leader William Logan, 28, have been charged with offenses including corrupt organizations, conspiracy to commit murder, aggravated assault, and armed robbery. The defendants are currently in custody, with arraignments ongoing.
“This ruthless organization is alleged to have used violence and intimidation tactics to protect their money-maker,” Attorney General Henry said. “The coordinated thefts of master keys to postal service drop boxes have led to six-figure losses for people using the mail to pay bills or send money to friends or family. I commend the Grand Jurors for their time and dedication, as well as my team for conducting a comprehensive and complex investigation.”
The charged individuals are William Logan, Khyzeem Brown, Jamal Carson, Jahan Stevenson, Zaahir Beckham, Mynaya Stewart, Zahmir Beckham, TaeJohn Bradley, Abdul Anderson, Yahsir Keaton, Jahmir Martin, Saadiq Barrett, Javon Wilson, Jabreel Martin, and Qahmire Goolsby.
According to the charges, while the organization centered around the postal theft and check fraud scheme, they also allegedly engaged in violent crimes. The defendants are accused of attempted murders of rival gang members, the robbery of a postal worker, and the shooting of a “SaySlide” affiliated individual who had fallen out of favor with the organization.
The group also allegedly recruited individuals via social media to be payees on altered checks and to open bank accounts for depositing and cashing the checks. “SaySlide” members are said to have kept the majority of the proceeds, spending them on luxury items and firearms. The organization eventually progressed to creating counterfeit checks in addition to those stolen from drop boxes.
The defendants will be prosecuted by the Office of Attorney General’s Organized Crime Section. All charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Further details will emerge as the case progresses.
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