Unlawful possession of U.S. Postal Key leads to prison sentence for Birmingham resident

Unlawful possession of U.S. Postal Key results in prison sentence for Birmingham resident

Individuals implicated in mail theft, bribery, and fraud

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A resident of Birmingham, Mr. Derrell Allen Matthews, 27, received a 63-month prison sentence in federal court this week, after pleading guilty to a multitude of charges including conspiracy, bribery of a public official, possession of stolen U.S. Postal Service (USPS) keys, bank fraud, and possession of stolen mail.

Judgement was passed by U.S. District Court Judge Anna Manasco, who also handed out sentences to two additional defendants implicated in the case. Keaundria Janae Gresham, 30, from Pleasant Grove, received a 12-month prison sentence. Charges included conspiracy, bribery of a public official, and possession of stolen or reproduced U.S. Postal Service keys. Steven Cornelius Hudson, 34, from Bessemer, received a sentence of 36 months probation for possession of stolen mail.

The Crime and Its Perpetrators

According to Hudson’s plea agreement, Matthews hired Hudson for his vehicle to facilitate his criminal activities. Court records reveal that between August 2022 and April 2023, Matthews used stolen USPS keys to unlawfully remove mail from multiple collection boxes in Hoover. Notably, Matthews is said to have procured the USPS keys from Gresham, a USPS employee at the time, who abused her official position to supply Matthews with the said unauthorized keys.

In October 2022, law enforcement apprehended Matthews in possession of a USPS key, stolen checks, counterfeit checks, blank checks, stock printers, and over 350 stolen, altered, or counterfeit checks amounting to over $1 million. Investigations indicate that Matthews took these altered or counterfeit checks and deposited them into a co-conspirator’s bank accounts from October 2021 to May 2023. Post-deposit, he wouldthen withdraw a portion of the funds for himself, leaving behind a residual amount in the account or compensating the co-conspirator through other means.

The Arrest

In April 2023, Shelby County Sheriff’s deputies and postal inspectors observed Matthews at the Meadowbrook Post Office, opening two collection boxes and removing their contents. They witnessed Matthews place the stolen mail in the front seat of his vehicle. An ensuing traffic stop led to the arrest of both the vehicle driver, Hudson, Jr. and the passenger, Matthews.

For individuals who encounter USPS mail theft or similar crimes, they are encouraged to get in touch with the United States Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455 or file a report at www.uspis.gov/report.