A mail carrier in the St. Louis area, Cambria Hopkins, has been arrested for allegedly stealing checks from the mail and selling a Postal Service-issued key to access mail collection boxes. Hopkins, who is 29 years old and resides in Florissant, Missouri, was taken into custody on Thursday and indicted on October 30. The indictment includes charges of conspiracy, bribery, and unlawful use of a mail key. Despite her arrest, Hopkins pleaded not guilty to the charges, as stated in a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice.
The indictment against Hopkins alleges that she received money from her co-conspirator, Malik A. Jones, in exchange for her mail key, commonly referred to as a U.S. Postal Service “arrow key.” It is claimed that Hopkins was aware that Jones intended to use the key to steal mail back in March 2022 when she was working as a postal carrier in Clayton, Missouri. In addition to selling the key, Hopkins is also accused of stealing mail within her possession, specifically checks, which she then provided to Jones. The payment for these stolen checks allegedly came in various forms, including cash, electronic transfers via CashApp, and groceries.
Inspector in Charge Ruth Mendonça, who is responsible for the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, emphasized the commitment of the Postal Inspection Service to safeguarding the mail system from illicit activities. The agency collaborates with other law enforcement entities to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in financial fraud resulting from mail theft.
If convicted, Hopkins could potentially face a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison and fines amounting to $250,000. On the other hand, Jones has already pleaded guilty to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft on October 25 and is awaiting sentencing on January 30, 2025.
The case of Cambria Hopkins and Malik A. Jones underscores the importance of upholding the integrity of the postal system and the severe consequences of engaging in mail theft and fraud. It serves as a reminder of the diligence required to maintain the security of mail and the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat such criminal activities. The indictment against Hopkins and the guilty plea from Jones highlight the serious nature of the offenses committed and the legal repercussions that individuals involved in mail-related crimes may face.
