U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs | U.S. Department of Justice
A Port Arthur resident has been sentenced to federal prison for his involvement in a mail theft scheme in the Eastern District of Texas. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs.
Charles Vernon Roberts, aged 27, admitted guilt to charges of possessing 15 or more unauthorized devices and aggravated identity theft. On November 19, 2024, U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone sentenced him to a total of 30 months in federal prison.
Court documents revealed that local law enforcement received reports about stolen mail from the Tobe Hahn and South End post offices in Beaumont. Surveillance footage captured an individual taking items from these post office boxes. Using license plate recognition software, authorities traced the suspect to an apartment in Port Arthur where Roberts was identified.
During a search of Roberts' residence, investigators found a counterfeit postal arrow key, 35 checks and money orders, several debit and credit cards, as well as opened and unopened mail not belonging to him.
The investigation involved collaboration between the Port Arthur Police Department, Beaumont Police Department, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Grove prosecuted the case.
