Dawn N. Ison, U.S. Attorney | Department Of Justice Eastern District Of Michigan
Four individuals have been charged in connection with a $63 million scheme involving the theft and sale of checks stolen from the mail, according to an announcement by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. The accused include two postal employees, Vanessa Hargrove and Crystal Jenkins, who allegedly diverted checks from the mail system.
The announcement was made alongside officials from several agencies, including U.S. Postal Service Inspector General Tammy Hull and Acting Inspector in Charge Sean McStravick of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service's Detroit Division.
Jaiswan Williams and Dequan Foreman are accused of managing online marketplaces where these stolen checks were sold. According to the charges, Hargrove and Jenkins provided the stolen checks to Williams and Foreman in exchange for payments. These checks were then marketed on Telegram Messenger channels named “Whole Foods Slipsss” and “Uber Eats Slips.” Transactions were reportedly completed using various electronic payment systems.
The defendants face up to 30 years in prison if convicted of conspiracy charges. Additionally, Williams faces money laundering charges related to activities dating back to October 2022, as well as fraudulent pandemic unemployment insurance benefit claims submitted between August and December 2020.
U.S. Attorney Gorgon emphasized that public employees exploiting their positions for personal gain undermine public trust: “We will find and prosecute those who exploit their position for personal gain.”
Tammy Hull stated that this investigation reflects the dedication of USPS OIG special agents working with federal agencies: “The OIG remains committed to safeguarding the U.S. Mail.”
Sean McStravick highlighted the commitment of postal inspectors: “Postal Inspectors utilize every tool at their disposal...to uncover, investigate, and prosecute these schemes.”
Special Agent Charles Miller from IRS-CI noted that such crimes are not victimless: “The violations alleged carry extra weight as some individuals were trusted as public servants.”
Kelly Moening from TIGTA affirmed their commitment to protecting tax administration integrity: “TIGTA aggressively investigates individuals who attempt to exploit U.S Treasury refund checks.”
Megan Howell from DOL-OIG reiterated their mission's importance when investigative matters affect Department of Labor programs: "We are committed...to investigate these types of matters."
It is important to note that an Information is not evidence of guilt; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation involved multiple agencies led by USPS-OIG with assistance from USPIS, IRS-CI, TIGTA, DOL-OIG, and prosecution by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan A. Particka and Darrin Crawford.
