Feds: USPS carriers stole nearly $24M in checks, shipped them through FedEx

Federal prosecutors accuse three Houston U.S. Postal Service carriers of stealing checks worth nearly $24 million. A federal grand jury charged five people in the Southern District of Texas on Aug. 19. The indictment describes a scheme involving $23,973,338.15 in stolen checks. Prosecutors say the group offered those instruments through Telegram and used FedEx for deliveries.

The court filing names Tryston Tremaine Vaughn, Catherine Clauzelle Kilpatrick, Drakkor Jamar Alexander, Malcolm Tiree Joubert and Alyssa Nadine Bryant. Kilpatrick, Alexander and Joubert worked as Postal Service carriers, according to the indictment. Vaughn and Bryant allegedly purchased stolen checks from the employees. The group then marketed them through a Telegram channel called “slipsandchips.”

Checks moved from mail routes to online buyers

Federal prosecutors claim Vaughn recruited the carriers to remove checks from Houston delivery routes. The alleged conspiracy began around October 2022 and continued through September 2024. Court records state that participants shipped checks to buyers across the country through FedEx. The filing does not identify the buyers or unnamed co-conspirators.

One count centers on a check worth $1,517,875.27. Prosecutors accuse Joubert of taking that BMO Bank check from the mail during May 2024. The indictment also lists smaller checks tied to Chase, Amegy Bank, Citibank and Stellar Bank. It does not state how much buyers paid for the stolen instruments.

A grand jury returned nine counts against the five defendants. All face charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud. Kilpatrick, Alexander and Joubert also face charges for theft of mail matter by a postal employee. An indictment contains accusations, and each defendant remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Federal filing details alleged roles

The indictment identifies Vaughn as a central figure in the alleged operation. Prosecutors contend he coordinated purchases from the three carriers. They also accuse Bryant of helping acquire and ship stolen checks. Federal authorities have not released further details about the buyers or potential financial losses.

The case connects mail theft, online marketplaces and parcel transportation. Prosecutors contend the group used an encrypted messaging platform to reach customers. They also claim FedEx shipments moved the stolen checks beyond Houston. Neither the indictment nor federal prosecutors accuse FedEx of wrongdoing.

Why it matters

Freight and parcel professionals face growing risks when criminals use legitimate transportation networks to move fraud-related materials. This case shows how insider access, online sales channels and shipment services can work together.

Click here for more articles on cargo theft and freight fraud by Phil Brink.

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