A man from Kankakee, Illinois, has been charged in federal court with the armed robbery of a United States Postal Service carrier in Harvey, a suburb of Chicago. The incident occurred on January 8, 2025. According to the complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago, Ahmel Holmes, 18, allegedly approached the postal worker while she was delivering mail and demanded her belongings at gunpoint. Holmes is accused of using a firearm equipped with a drum magazine to carry out the robbery.
The complaint further states that Holmes forced access to the postal vehicle and took a USPS tub containing mail. As part of the investigation following the robbery, two Postal Inspectors were canvassing the area when they encountered three individuals near an alley. One of these individuals, Jesus Santillan, 19, from Harvey, reportedly fired shots at the inspectors. The inspectors were unharmed and did not return fire but pursued Santillan into a nearby residence where he was arrested. Holmes was also found in this residence and taken into custody.
Holmes faces charges for armed robbery of a postal carrier and could face up to 25 years in federal prison if convicted. Santillan is charged with using a deadly weapon to assault postal inspectors and could face up to 20 years if found guilty.
A detention hearing for Holmes is scheduled for January 14 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffery T. Gilbert. Santillan waived his right to a detention hearing at this time and remains held in federal custody.
The announcement was made by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, along with Ruth Mendonça, Inspector-in-Charge of the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The Harvey Police Department assisted in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Maione represents the government.
It is important to note that a complaint is not evidence of guilt; both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.