Montavius Hancock, a 29-year-old resident of Charlotte, has been sentenced to 48 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. The sentencing is related to charges of conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States, specifically mail theft and unlawful possession of a USPS arrow key, as well as possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, made this announcement.
The case involved cooperation between several law enforcement agencies. Rodney Hopkins, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Jeff Krafels, Special Agent in Charge at the United States Postal Service Office of the Inspector General (USPS-OIG) for the Mid-Atlantic Area Field Office (MAAFO), and Chief Johnny Jennings from the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) joined Ferguson in announcing Hancock's sentence.
Court documents reveal that on January 13, 2024, Hancock was caught stealing U.S. mail using an "arrow key" at a business park in Charlotte. CMPD officers attempted to intercept Hancock's vehicle during his escape but eventually apprehended him. A search of his vehicle uncovered stolen mail from various locations around Charlotte with checks valued over $400,000.
Hancock also faced charges for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon under a separate indictment. On December 22, 2023, CMPD officers arrested him with a Smith and Wesson model M&P Shield EZ 9 mm pistol with an obliterated serial number. Hancock's previous felony convictions include assault with intent to kill, barring him from legally possessing firearms.
U.S. Attorney Ferguson expressed gratitude towards USPIS, USPS-OIG, and CMPD for their investigative work and acknowledged assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives regarding the firearm investigation.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Frick and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Kinlaw led the prosecution efforts in this case.
For reporting suspected mail theft or other mail-related crimes, individuals can visit https://mailtheft.uspis.gov/ or contact USPIS at 1-877-876-2455. In cases of active crime in progress, calling 911 is advised.
