Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia
A federal jury in Newport News, Virginia, has convicted a Hampton man on charges related to conspiracy, mail theft, and the illegal receipt of a firearm while under indictment. The conviction follows an incident that occurred on July 22, 2024.
Court records and trial evidence revealed that Jamal Ashton Shields, aged 33, drove with Sampson G. Jumbo from the Bronx, New York, and another accomplice to a postal collection box at the Patrick Henry Post Office in Newport News. Due to previous break-ins at this location, law enforcement was monitoring the site. Jumbo and another individual exited the vehicle and used an arrow key to access and remove mail from the collection box. Arrow keys are typically used for accessing various types of mailboxes.
Upon witnessing the theft, law enforcement attempted to arrest them as they fled. Shields escaped by vehicle but was eventually apprehended following a high-speed chase. During his arrest, he disclosed having a firearm in his possession despite being under felony indictment for rape and forcible sodomy in Hampton.
Jumbo was caught shortly after fleeing on foot with a backpack containing approximately 35 pieces of stolen mail. The third accomplice managed to carjack a vehicle after discarding his jacket which contained the arrow key used in the crime.
The group reportedly stole at least 82 pieces of outgoing mail, including ten checks. Jumbo pled guilty to mail theft on November 15, 2024, and is due for sentencing on May 21; he could face up to five years in prison.
Shields is facing up to 15 years when sentenced on June 13. Sentences for federal crimes often fall short of maximum penalties as determined by federal district court judges who consider U.S. Sentencing Guidelines among other factors.
The announcement came from Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, alongside Damon E. Wood from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service's Washington Division following Judge Arenda Wright Allen's acceptance of the verdict.
The investigation involved contributions from both Virginia State Police and Newport News Police Department with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Therese O'Brien and Mack Coleman prosecuting the case.
Further details can be accessed via court documents available through PACER or related websites using Case No. 4:24-cr-49.
