Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia
Four individuals have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in a mail theft and bank fraud conspiracy in Newport News, Virginia. The group targeted U.S. Postal Service (USPS) mailboxes using stolen keys and engaged in a scheme involving counterfeit checks.
Court documents reveal that on July 6, 2023, Andre Ephraim Billups Jr., 22, of Gloucester, and Johnny Ray Riddick, also known as Glo, 24, of Newport News, robbed a USPS letter carrier at Jefferson Point in Newport News. Riddick acted as the getaway driver while Billups attempted to steal an arrow key from the carrier by indicating he was armed. After obtaining the key, Billups fled on foot to Alexis Sierra West's apartment where he left the key.
West contacted Riddick for instructions and was told to hide the key. She later misled law enforcement about her knowledge of the incident. Meanwhile, Billups joined Riddick in his car after fleeing the scene.
Riddick and Billups used the stolen arrow key multiple times to access USPS collection boxes illegally and steal mail. This prompted an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), leading to surveillance operations.
On December 3, 2023, USPIS officers conducted surveillance at Hidenwood Post Office where Karon-Omar Gary drove Billups to commit another theft using the arrow key. Armed with firearms, they were confronted by law enforcement officers during their attempt but managed to flee before being apprehended after a high-speed chase.
The investigation revealed that Riddick, Billups, and West were involved in bank fraud activities including "card cracking" and "check washing." They altered or fabricated checks for deposit into third-party accounts before withdrawing funds rapidly.
In court proceedings:
- Gary pled guilty on February 29, 2024; he was sentenced to time served.
- On September 25, 2024, Billups pled guilty; he received seven years and six months.
- West pled guilty on September 26; she was sentenced on February 6 to six months.
- Riddick pled guilty on September 30; he was sentenced on February 14 to six years and six months.
The case announcement came from Erik S. Siebert of the Eastern District of Virginia alongside officials from USPIS and local law enforcement agencies following sentencing by U.S. District Judge Jamar K. Walker. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Podlesni prosecuted this case.
Further details are available through official websites related to this case under Case No. 4:23-cr-94.
