U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that Chad Woods, 29, from New Orleans, pleaded guilty on December 19, 2024, to charges related to mail theft and possession of a postal service key. The charges include conspiracy to steal United States Mail, possession of a United States Postal Service (USPS) "arrow" key, and possession of stolen mail.
The indictment reveals that on June 23, 2022, Woods and an accomplice attempted mail theft in Kenner, Louisiana. Woods used the USPS key to access mailboxes while his co-conspirator drove the vehicle. Following a police pursuit, authorities discovered them with 36 stolen checks, including one counterfeit check, six opened pieces of mail, and the USPS arrow key.
Woods could face up to five years in prison for both conspiracy to steal mail and possession of stolen mail charges. Additionally, he faces up to ten years for possessing the USPS key. Each charge carries potential penalties of supervised release for three years post-incarceration, fines up to $250,000, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans commended the investigative efforts of the United States Postal Inspection Service along with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and Kenner Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Maestri is handling the prosecution.