By: Richard L. Smith
An Essex County man, Amin C. Jones, has been sentenced to 24 months in prison for his involvement in a scheme to bribe mail carriers into stealing postal arrow keys.
These keys are used to unlock mail receptacles, and the stolen items from the mail were used to fraudulently obtain funds from banks, according to U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.
Jones, 29, hailing from Orange, had previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton. He was charged with one count each of bribery of U.S. Postal Service mail carriers and conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Judge Wigenton delivered the sentence today in Newark federal court.
The case was built on documents filed in the matter and statements made in court. According to these documents:
Jones masterminded a scheme to bribe mail carriers working in East Orange and Newark, New Jersey. He would offer them a cash incentive, typically $5,000, in exchange for obtaining a postal arrow key.
These keys grant access to various postal service mail receptacles.
Jones and his associates were keen to secure USPS arrow keys to facilitate their mail theft operation.
Between June and July 2021, Jones and another individual embarked on a mission to various locations in East Orange and Newark.
They intercepted four different mail carriers, which included an undercover postal inspector posing as a mail carrier.
These mail carriers were handed a note indicating they would receive $5,000 in return for providing an arrow key.
From January to July 2021, Jones collaborated with others in a conspiracy to fraudulently obtain funds from banks.
Their modus operandi involved stealing mail and utilizing stolen checks and bank cards to withdraw funds from bank accounts connected to the pilfered items.
They also used the identification of unsuspecting individuals to fraudulently obtain funds.
Apart from the prison term, Judge Wigenton imposed a three-year supervised release period on Jones.
Additionally, Jones was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $6,361.