Five Valdosta Residents Plead Guilty To Mail Theft Conspiracy

United States Attorney G.F. Peterman, III announces that on October 3, 2017 Kedrick Antwan Williams, age 31, and on October 12, 2017, Zerrick Devon Tompkins, age 31, Jerry Lewis Rawls, Jr., age 44, Willie James Smith, age 64, and Gregory Willie Harris, age 46, all of Valdosta, Georgia, entered pleas of guilty in front of the Senior United States District Judge Hugh Lawson for conspiring to steal and to possess stolen mail.

According to plea agreements, the defendants admitted to conspiring to steal and possess stolen mail and items, including checks, that were in the mail between July 24 and December 8, 2016. Members of the conspiracy admitted to stealing mail in the Valdosta area, removing checks, and then altering payees and/or amounts on checks that were in the mail. The defendants then presented the checks for cashing or deposit and retained the funds. The defendants admitted to the theft of between $40,000 and $95,000 worth of checks written on the accounts of various businesses and individuals. Members of the conspiracy agreed to payment of restitution of more than $14,000 to five banks and one business, based on checks that were actually negotiated.

Sentencing is scheduled for all defendants on January 10, 2018 in Valdosta, Georgia.

“This case involved a classic organized check cashing ring, with some members stealing checks, others altering the payees and the amounts, and others negotiating the altered instruments.  The many victims in the South Georgia area included numerous businesses and individuals.  It is a shame that with all the ingenuity and effort these criminals invested in this  illegal scheme, they did not choose to earn an honest dollar instead, which they were clearly smart and resourceful enough to have done,” said United States Attorney Peterman.

The case was investigated by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, the Valdosta Police Department, and the United States Postal Inspection service. Service. Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. McCullers is prosecuting the case on behalf of the Government.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.