Montavius Hancock, a 29-year-old resident of Charlotte, has been sentenced to four years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. The sentencing was announced by Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Hancock faced charges for conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States, specifically mail theft and unlawful possession of a USPS arrow key, as well as possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He pleaded guilty to these charges on August 21, 2024.
The announcement was made in conjunction with Rodney Hopkins, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Jeff Krafels, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Postal Service Office of the Inspector General (USPS-OIG) for the Mid-Atlantic Area Field Office (MAAFO), and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD).
Court documents revealed that on January 13, 2024, Hancock was caught stealing U.S. mail from a business park in Charlotte using an "arrow key," which is a master key utilized by the U.S. Postal Service. CMPD officers attempted to stop Hancock's vehicle during his escape but later apprehended him. A search of his vehicle uncovered stolen mail from various locations around Charlotte with checks valued at over $400,000.
Hancock also faced sentencing for possessing a firearm illegally due to previous felony convictions including assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. On December 22, 2023, CMPD officers arrested him for having a Smith and Wesson model M&P Shield EZ 9 mm pistol with an obliterated serial number.
U.S. Attorney Ferguson expressed gratitude towards USPIS, USPS-OIG, and CMPD for their investigative efforts and acknowledged assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives regarding the firearm investigation.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Frick and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Kinlaw led the prosecution efforts from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte.
To report suspected mail theft or other related crimes, individuals can visit https://mailtheft.uspis.gov/ or contact USPIS at 1-877-876-2455. For active crimes in progress, calling 911 is advised.