Oklahoma City Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Robbery of a United States Mail Carrier

OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, TARYAN NABOND PRINCE-SADLER, 19, of Oklahoma City, pleaded guilty to robbing a U. S. mail carrier using a firearm, announced U. S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

On May 16, 2023, Prince-Sadler was charged by Superseding Information with robbery of mail, money, or other property of the United States, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Prince-Sadler’s co-defendant, Rijae Varnell Luster, 22, was charged by Indictment on May 16, 2023, with aiding and abetting armed robbery of property of the Unites States.

According to affidavits filed in support of the defendants’ criminal complaints, on or about August 22, 2022, the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Oklahoma City began receiving numerous reports of stolen U.S. mail. In conjunction with these reports, there were four armed robberies of USPS mail carriers between August 2022, and March 2023. One armed robbery happened on February 1, 2023, in Edmond, Oklahoma, and another armed robbery happened on March 4, 2023, in Stillwater, Oklahoma. During the Stillwater robbery, surveillance cameras spotted a white vehicle following the mail carrier before and after the robbery. An investigation of this vehicle led authorities to Luster. Authorities believed Luster drove Prince-Sadler to the Stillwater location to carry out the robbery.

The complaints also allege on April 17, 2023, USPIS Inspectors observed Prince-Sadler unlocking mailboxes in Edmond, removing U. S. mail, and placing the mail in a trash bag. USPIS Inspectors immediately arrested Prince-Sadler.

Today, Prince-Sadler pleaded guilty to the two-count Superseding Information. As part of his plea, Prince-Sadler admitted to forcefully taking a United States Arrow Key from a U.S. mail carrier and putting that mail carrier’s life in jeopardy by using a firearm.

On September 14, 2023, Luster pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting armed robbery of mail, money, or other property of the United States. As part of his plea, Luster admitted that he participated in the robbery when he drove Prince-Sadler, who he knew to be armed, to and from the Stillwater robbery.

At sentencing, Prince-Sadler faces at least five years and up to life in federal prison, and a fine of up to $500,000. Luster faces up to 25 years in federal prison, and a fine of up to $250,000.00.

This case is the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wilson D. McGarry and Danielle London are prosecuting the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.