Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson has announced the final sentencing in a significant fraud conspiracy case involving eight defendants. The investigation, which led to convictions for wire, bank, and mail fraud, included two postal workers from Montgomery.
On May 6, 2025, Hunter Hudson Jr., known as "Hunnid K," was sentenced to 92 months in prison after pleading guilty. He was identified as a manager within the conspiracy that resulted in an intended loss of over $1.5 million. Hudson is required to pay $987,883.50 in restitution and forfeit $91,020.41.
The fraudulent activities occurred between 2022 and 2024 and involved stealing and altering checks deposited into fraudulent accounts. A group chat titled "Fraud Academy" was used by conspirators to coordinate some activities.
Previously sentenced individuals include Brandon Michael Gage with 135 months in prison and Joey Payne with 108 months. Both were identified as managers with intended losses exceeding $550,000 each. Reuben Kristian Brown received an 87-month sentence for his managerial role with losses over $1.5 million.
Keenan Rashaad Watson was sentenced to 60 months; Kerry O’Shay Hawthorne received a 40-month sentence; Ethan Alexander Brown got 34 months for depositing altered checks worth more than $2 million; Destinie Janan James was sentenced to 22 months.
Despite these sentences concluding this indictment phase, investigations continue.
"This case demonstrates the serious consequences for those who exploit public institutions and financial systems for personal gain," stated Acting U.S. Attorney Davidson. He emphasized dismantling the criminal network thanks to law enforcement partners' dedication.
Tammy Hull from the U.S. Postal Service noted that these convictions send a strong message against conspiring employees: "Our special agents...will continue to aggressively investigate these criminal activities."
Timothy J. O'Malley of the FBI stressed that exploiting postal or banking systems violates public trust: "These actions will not be tolerated."
Shameka Jackson from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service commended all agencies involved: "The sentencing...should serve notice...that [we are] dedicated to defending the nation’s mail system."
The investigation involved multiple agencies including USPS's Office of Inspector General, FBI, FDIC's Office of Inspector General, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, among others under Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Patrick Lamb's prosecution.
Support also came from various local police departments across Alabama and Georgia.