Jason R. Coody, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida
Rashaad Tariq Lee, a 31-year-old resident of Pensacola, Florida, has been sentenced to 25 months in federal prison after being convicted of unlawful possession of stolen mail and means of identification. The sentencing was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin stated: “I truly appreciate the outstanding investigative work by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service that put an end to this offender’s fraud and theft schemes. Mail theft and identity theft has a devastating impact on the victims of such crimes, and my office will aggressively pursue prosecutions to ensure offenders face maximum consequences for the harm they have caused.”
According to court records, law enforcement executed a search warrant on February 22, 2024, at an apartment where Lee resided using a senior citizen’s identity obtained through fraudulent means. During the search, officers found stolen mail, tools for counterfeiting, as well as various forms of identification including driver’s licenses and social security cards. They also discovered both stolen and counterfeit checks. Investigators identified 71 additional victims from items seized at the residence.
Acting Inspector in Charge Bladismir Rojo of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service said: “This prosecution sends the message that mail theft will not be tolerated, and the perpetrators will be held accountable. The Postal Inspection Service will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to pursue criminals who victimize postal customers.”
Sheriff Chip W. Simmons of Escambia County added: “Teamwork delivers results. Through our partnership with the US Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, a suspect in a stolen mail and ID case has been sentenced to 25 months. If you steal from our community, you will face justice.”
Following his prison term, Lee will serve three years under supervised release; any violation during this period could result in further incarceration.
The investigation was conducted jointly by the United States Postal Inspection Service and Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer H. Callahan prosecuted the case.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices serving as principal litigators under direction of the Attorney General. More information about public court documents can be found at http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
