A man who orchestrated a conspiracy to steal checks from the U.S. mail and commit bank fraud was sentenced to 27 months in prison.
U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp also ordered Dareon Graham to repay $46,434 to the victims.
In 2022, Graham obtained a stolen key that opened mail collection boxes and gave it to his codefendant, Tyrell Hardin. Graham agreed to pay Hardin to steal mail and instructed him to target specific collection boxes in and around St. Louis County. Hardin provided the stolen mail to Graham, who then removed the checks. Graham recruited bank and credit union account holders to deposit the altered checks into their accounts.
During the scheme, Graham deposited or caused the deposit of fraudulent checks totaling at least $103,457 and obtained $46,434 in proceeds.
“This sentencing is a statement that mail theft will not be tolerated, and the perpetrators will be brought to justice,” said Acting Inspector in Charge, John Jackman, who leads the St. Louis Field Office of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “The Postal Inspection Service will continue to partner with other law enforcement agencies to collectively pursue criminals who victimize postal customers.”
Graham’s case came at a time of rising incidents of mail theft and robberies of U.S. Postal Service employees. In response, the Postal Service has enhanced the security of mail collection boxes and investigations of mail-related crimes. From May 12, 2023, through March 2024, the Postal Inspection Service reported 1,025 arrests related to mail theft and 213 arrests related to robberies.
Graham, 23, of Ferguson, Missouri, pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to commit mail theft, bank fraud, and possession of stolen mail matter. Hardin, 22, of Hanley Hills, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail theft and two counts of mail theft.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Maryland Heights Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department, the Chesterfield Police Department, the Frontenac Police Department, the St. Peters Police Department, and the Town and Country Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Clow prosecuted the case.
