Kevin P. Davidson, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama
Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced the final sentencing in a significant mail and bank fraud conspiracy involving eight defendants. The convictions followed an investigation into extensive mail theft and check fraud, which included previous prosecutions of two postal workers from Montgomery.
On May 6, 2025, Hunter Hudson, Jr., aged 25 and known as "Hunnid K," from Montgomery, Alabama, was sentenced to 92 months in prison after pleading guilty to wire, bank, and mail fraud. Identified as a manager within the conspiracy, Hudson caused an intended loss exceeding $1.5 million. He was ordered to pay $987,883.50 in restitution and forfeit $91,020.41.
The conspiracy occurred between 2022 and 2024 and involved stealing and altering checks that were deposited into various fraudulent bank accounts. Part of the scheme was organized through a group chat called "Fraud Academy."
Other conspirators received the following sentences:
Brandon Michael Gage, aged 27 from Montgomery, was sentenced to 135 months in prison with an intended loss over $550,000. He was fined $25,000 and ordered to pay $65,000 in restitution.
Joey Payne, aged 26 from Opelika, Alabama, received a sentence of 108 months with an intended loss over $550,000. He was fined $15,000 and ordered to pay $101,556.97 in restitution.
Reuben Kristian Brown from Montgomery received an 87-month sentence with an intended loss exceeding $1.5 million. He was fined $15,000 and ordered to pay $17,500 in restitution.
Keenan Rashaad Watson from Montgomery was sentenced to 60 months with an intended loss over $550,000 and fined $15,000.
Kerry O’Shay Hawthorne also from Montgomery received a sentence of 40 months with a restitution order of $49,008.95.
Ethan Alexander Brown from Montgomery received a sentence of 34 months for depositing altered checks worth more than $2 million; he must pay his employer restitution amounting to $973,692.05.
Destinie Janan James from Auburn received a sentence of 22 months; she was fined $25,000 and must pay restitution of $89,000.
Although these sentences conclude this indictment phase; investigations continue.
"This case demonstrates the serious consequences for those who exploit public institutions," stated Acting U.S. Attorney Davidson while expressing gratitude towards law enforcement partners who dismantled this complex network ensuring accountability among participants by emphasizing commitment towards prosecuting individuals defrauding public systems threatening integrity therein".
Tammy Hull Inspector General U.S Postal Service remarked on dedication shown by investigative/legal teams adding conviction sends strong message against conspiring employees seeking illicit gains warning about aggressive investigations maintaining Postal Service/U.S Mail integrity".
Timothy J O'Malley FBI's Acting Special Agent-in-Charge emphasized trust violation seriousness warning non-toleration/prosecution stressing postal/financial system protection importance describing actions undertaken towards safeguarding public interest".
Shameka Jackson Acting Inspector-in-Charge US Postal Inspection Service Houston Division commended agencies' hard work culminating justice achievement via diligent efforts bringing Hunter Hudson Jr/co-defendants accountability forefront".
This comprehensive investigation spearheaded by United States Postal Service Office Inspector General FBI US Postal Inspection Service FDIC Treasury Inspector General Tax Administration assisted locally across multiple departments/agencies further supported prosecution led Assistant US Attorney J Patrick Lamb alongside other contributors extending cooperation throughout process ensuring thoroughness across jurisdictional bounds".
