Seven individuals have been charged in connection with a scheme to cash more than $3 million in stolen U.S. Treasury checks at the Blue Hills Post Office on Woodland Street in Hartford, according to a federal indictment unsealed in New Haven. The accused are Michael Atkinson of East Hartford; Roland McTaggart of Hartford; Sharif Djibo of East Hartford; Romario Rose of Newington; Jashawn Atkinson of Hartford; Adrian Olivero of New Britain, who is currently being sought by law enforcement; and Rashelle Sailor of Hartford, an alleged co-conspirator employed as a postal clerk.
The indictment, returned on October 28, 2025, alleges that between February and July 2025 the group obtained and cashed over 1,300 stolen U.S. Treasury checks totaling more than $3.1 million. Of this amount, Sailor was involved in cashing more than 1,200 checks worth over $2.7 million. To facilitate the transactions and ensure sufficient cash was available, conspirators reportedly purchased postal money orders before presenting the checks to Sailor for cashing.
“As alleged, these co-conspirators collectively stole more than $3 million from the government in a relatively short period of time,” said U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan for the District of Connecticut. “The fact that the scheme involved, and would not have been successful without, the participation of at least one corrupt government employee, is particularly disturbing. I thank our partner law enforcement agencies for shutting down this operation and bringing these individuals to justice. The investigation to determine those responsible for the theft of the U.S. Treasury Checks, and others involved in the scheme, is ongoing.”
Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge with the U.S Postal Service Office of Inspector General (OIG), commented: “The Special Agents of the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS OIG) will vigorously investigate those who use their position to commit crimes against the American public and the Postal Service. The conduct alleged is disgraceful, and our office will continue to tirelessly investigate Postal Service employees and their co-conspirators who violate the public’s trust. This case serves as an excellent example of the successful collaboration between the USPS OIG, our law enforcement partners, and the District of Connecticut U.S Attorney’s Office to pursue and prosecute Postal Service employees involved in criminal activity.”
Ricky J. Patel from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York added: “Today’s announcement shines a harsh light on an alleged public corruption scheme in which a federal employee partnered with individuals to steal from the hardworking communities they were entrusted to serve... HSI New York will work tirelessly with our partners to dismantle these criminal networks and bring every perpetrator to justice.”
Michael Carpenter from TIGTA stated: “The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) aggressively investigates individuals who attempt to exploit U.S Treasury refund checks meant for hard working taxpayers for their own private gain... We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who violate federal laws are prosecuted to the fullest extent possible.”
Ketty Larco-Ward from U.S Postal Inspection Service said: “These defendants sought to enrich themselves through an elaborate scheme involving the cashing of stolen U.S. Treasury checks at a Hartford Post Office... The Postal Inspection Service will not tolerate thieves — regardless of who they are — using the U.S Mail to harm postal customers or financial institutions that serve them.”
Each defendant faces charges including conspiracy—which carries up to five years imprisonment—multiple counts related to theft of government property—with up to ten years per count—and aggravated identity theft which mandates two additional years if convicted.
U.S Attorney Sullivan emphasized that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
The investigation remains ongoing and involves several agencies including USPS OIG, Homeland Security Investigations, TIGTA, U.S Postal Inspection Service, and Hartford Police Department.
