An Augusta man who stole mail to commit fraud and identity theft has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison.
Earl Demetrius Overton, 32, used a master key to steal mail then commit bank fraud and identity theft, according to a statement from U.S. Attorney Meg Heap.
Overton pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia to bank fraud, aggravated identity theft and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, the statement said.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to safeguard the U.S. Mail,” Heap said. “There were hundreds of citizens of this district who were victimized by the defendant’s conduct. With the collaborative efforts of our law enforcement partners, fraudsters who use the mail to steal will be brought to justice.”
Court filings and statements at sentencing revealed Overton obtained a U.S. Postal Service collection key and used it to steal mail, including business checks from collection boxes in the Augusta area. Overton altered the checks, deposited them at banks, then withdrew the money before the banks realized they were fraudulent.
Overton attempted to steal more than $400,000 through this scheme, the statement said. He was caught with a firearm and loaded 15-round magazine as well as stolen checks, financial documents and bank cards.
“We will not tolerate those who victimize our community through crimes like these,” Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley said. “The citizens of Richmond County deserve to feel secure, and we will continue working closely with our federal partners to ensure that offenders are held fully accountable.”
Overton was one of 30 named in a 333-count indictment last year following a large gang and drug trafficking investigation. He was one of five defendants, including a postal worker, that were awaiting federal sentences after pleading guilty in June to mail theft, fraud and identity theft charges.
U.S. District Judge J. Randal Hall sentenced Overton to 84 months in prison, to pay a $2,300 fine and to serve three years of supervised release after his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
The sentence “sends a clear message” to those who exploit the mail system for personal profit, said Rodney M. Hopkins, U.S. Postal Inspection Service inspector in charge with the Atlanta Division.
Overton “jeopardized the safety and financial security of countless victims,” said Paul Brown, special agent in charge of FBI Atlanta.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI and the Richmond County Sheriff’s office, and prosecuted for the United States by First Assistant United States Attorney David H. Estes.
