Two men from Richmond County, Georgia, have been sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in a scheme that included stealing mail and committing bank fraud. Cameron Martinas Curry and Quavaun Enreco Rhodes, both 22 years old and residents of Augusta, received sentences of 120 months each in federal prison. In addition to the prison terms, both were ordered by U.S. District Court Judge Dudley H. Bowen Jr. to pay $2,000 fines and $400 in special assessments each. Upon release from prison, they will be subject to five years of supervised release. Federal sentencing does not allow for parole.
According to court documents and statements made during sentencing, Curry and Rhodes obtained a United States Postal Service collection key which they used to steal mail—including business checks—from postal collection boxes around Augusta. The stolen checks were then altered and deposited into accounts belonging to co-conspirators before being withdrawn as cash prior to detection by banks. The total amount targeted through this fraudulent activity exceeded $550,000.
“There were hundreds of citizens of this District who were victimized by these two Defendants. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting and defending the nation’s mail system from illegal use and aggressively pursuing those who would commit fraud in this district. With the collaborative efforts of our law enforcement partners, fraudsters who use the mail to steal will be brought to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Heap.
Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, stated: “Stealing from the U.S. Mail and defrauding financial institutions are serious crimes that erode public trust. The FBI and our partners will continue to investigate and hold accountable those who abuse federal systems and victimize our communities for personal gain.”
Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley added: “I am very grateful for our partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice, Southern District of Georgia. These individuals defrauded multiple citizens and businesses in our community, and that is simply unacceptable. Working together, we will continue to protect our residents and businesses from fraud, theft, and other crimes that undermine trust and financial security.”
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service along with the FBI; prosecution was handled by First Assistant United States Attorney David H. Estes and Assistant United States Attorney Patricia Rhodes.
For further information or questions regarding this case, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.
