U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced that Fortino Pilier, a 28-year-old resident of Buffalo, New York, has pleaded guilty to possessing a postal service key. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr., and carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright provided details on the case, stating that Pilier was involved in an incident on October 23, 2024. He was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by Erie County Sheriff's deputies. During the stop, Pilier attempted to flee but was apprehended by the deputies. Upon his arrest, two United States Postal arrow keys were discovered in his possession. These keys are used to open authorized mail receptacles owned by the Postal Service. Pilier admitted he intended to use them for unlawful access to mail receptacles.
The investigation leading to this plea was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service's Boston Division under Inspector-in-Charge Ketty Larco-Ward's direction.
Pilier is scheduled for sentencing on November 14, 2025, before Judge Sinatra.
