A former U.S. Postal Service employee, Hachikosela Muchimba, was convicted of orchestrating a $1.6 million mail theft and bank fraud scheme.
Key Takeaways
- Muchimba was convicted of mail theft and bank fraud, involving over $1.6 million.
- He altered U.S. Treasury checks and deposited them in accounts he controlled.
- Funds supported his extravagant lifestyle, including luxury hotels and travel.
- Muchimba also unlawfully obtained U.S. citizenship, exacerbating charges.
- He faces severe penalties, potentially including 30 years in prison.
Conviction Details
Hachikosela Muchimba, a former U.S. Postal Service worker, orchestrated a meticulous scheme involving mail theft and bank fraud, ultimately exceeding $1.6 million in ill-gotten gains. His tenure with the postal service spanned from December 2020 to March 2023, during which he executed a scheme to steal treasury checks and private party checks from U.S. mail. Depositing these funds into his personal bank accounts allowed him to live a life of luxury.
A release by federal prosecutors stated, “A former U.S. Postal Service worker was convicted of stealing around $1.6 million in checks to fund a ‘lavish lifestyle that included international travel, stays at luxury hotels, and purchases at gentlemen’s clubs.’” Muchimba’s fraudulent activities were meticulously captured through security footage, chronicling his manipulation of the checks and subsequent financial transactions.
Multifaceted Charges
The repercussions of Muchimba’s actions are far-reaching, encompassing not only financial criminal conduct but also the unlawful procurement of American citizenship. The U.S. Attorney’s Office confirmed that he provided false information to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to secure his naturalization. This additional level of deception compounded the severity of his conflicted legal standing in the United States.
Efforts to evade justice by fleeing to Zambia were thwarted when he was apprehended. The scheduled sentencing on August 8 underscores the ramifications of his myriad offenses, with possible denaturalization on the horizon due to the unlawful citizenship claim.
Awaiting Sentencing
Muchimba remains in custody as he awaits sentencing. The potential sentences are staggering: 30 years for bank fraud, five years for mail theft, and 10 years for the unlawful procurement of naturalization. His defense attorney, Steve Roy Kiersh, refrained from comment, yet the evidence is undeniable. Muchimba’s sentence will reflect U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutory considerations.
His legal outcome will undoubtedly resonate as a warning against the abuse of trusted public service positions. Prosecutors aim to ensure that the extent of Muchimba’s transgressions is met with commensurate retribution, fortifying an example to deter future misconduct within governmental agencies and among the public at large.
Sources
2. Former USPS employee found guilty of stealing over $1.6M to fund lavish lifestyle
