Henrico Man Pleads Guilty to Mail Theft from Westhampton Post Office

RICHMOND, Va. – A Henrico man pleaded guilty today to mail theft.

According to court documents, Stephen Allen Booker, 28, along with other accomplices, stole from the blue USPS collection boxes located at the Westhampton Post Office in Richmond. On December 19, 2022, law enforcement was conducting surveillance on the Westhampton collection boxes based on previous, known incidents of theft from the blue collection boxes earlier that month. During the surveillance, officers observed a gray GMC vehicle, bearing Virginia license plates, enter the Westhampton Post Office parking lot in front of the blue collection boxes. Two individuals exited the vehicle, opened the blue collection boxes, removed the mail matter contained within the boxes, dumped the mail in a trash bag, and drove off. Law enforcement was able to confirm that this vehicle was registered to Booker.

When officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, Booker initially pulled over, then fled in his vehicle resulting in a high-speed chase. Law enforcement officers were unsuccessful in apprehending Booker and his passenger that day. Booker was later arrested at his residence and a lawful search was conducted. The search revealed that Booker was in possession of checks and credit cards belonging to other individuals.

Booker is scheduled to be sentenced on October 13, 2023. He faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Damon E. Wood, Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Rick Edwards, Acting Chief of Richmond Police, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Hannah M. Lauck accepted the plea.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather H. Mansfield is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-036.