Chad Woods, a 29-year-old resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on April 24, 2025, after pleading guilty to charges related to mail theft. Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson detailed that Woods faced charges including conspiracy to steal United States mail, possession of a United States Postal Service (USPS) "arrow" key, and possession of stolen mail. These charges violated sections 371, 1704, and 1708 of Title 18 in the United States Code.
The indictment explained that on June 23, 2022, Woods and an accomplice engaged in mail theft in Kenner, Louisiana. Woods used the USPS key to access mail receptacles, while the accomplice drove their vehicle. When apprehended after a police chase, they had 36 stolen checks, one of which was counterfeit, along with opened mail pieces and the USPS arrow key.
United States District Court Judge Eldon E. Fallon sentenced Woods to five years probation, including one year of home detention. Woods is also required to pay a $300 special assessment fee.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson expressed appreciation for the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Kenner Police Department for their efforts in investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Maestri led the prosecution.
