A New York man, William Stewart, has been sentenced to 40 months in federal prison for possession of stolen mail and Post Office master keys. The sentencing took place on February 6, 2025, in Lincoln, Nebraska, under United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis. Following his imprisonment, Stewart will serve a three-year supervised release period.
The incident began on April 13, 2024, when a York County Deputy Sheriff stopped Stewart on Interstate 80. A search of the rental car revealed marijuana paraphernalia and a suitcase containing a United States Postal Service envelope with personal checks issued by various individuals and businesses. Stewart was not the payee for any of these checks.
Additionally, deputies found a laptop computer, printer, numerous blank checks, a FedEx uniform, and two master keys used for accessing postal collection and delivery boxes in Stewart's coat pocket. He admitted ownership of these items.
In total, authorities seized 392 personal checks worth $222,439.95 from Stewart's vehicle. The checks were dated between December 2023 and April 2024 and involved victims from North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, New York, and Florida. Some victims suffered financial losses due to stop or late payment fees and had to replace or resend their checks.
Two victims from North Carolina confirmed that they had mailed the recovered checks to pay bills but did not know Stewart or authorize him to have them.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service alongside the York County Sheriff's Office.