Three Fayetteville Men Charged in Conspiracy Involving Check...

RALEIGH, N.C. - A federal grand jury returned a 13-count indictment charging three men for their alleged role in a conspiracy and scheme involving the theft of checks from United States Postal Service collection boxes located in Wake County. According to the allegations in the indictment, one or more co-conspirators stole checks from the collection boxes, after which the checks were altered to change the payee information to the name of individuals enlisted to provide access to their bank accounts for use in the scheme. The co-conspirators allegedly then deposited the fraudulent checks into the bank accounts and withdrew, and attempted to withdraw, the funds from ATMs.

"We've made our partnership with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service a cornerstone of our antifraud strategy and are seeking additional postal resources to grow even stronger in this critical area," said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. "We are prioritizing cases where anyone tries to undermine the integrity of our federal mail system. Anyone sending checks through the mail should notify the bank immediately of any unauthorized activity."

"This case is yet another example of the unending dedication of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and its law enforcement partners to halt the devastating effects of fraud. Those who steal the mail and engage in this type of criminal activity must learn they cannot escape detection and will be brought to justice," said Inspector in Charge Tommy D. Coke of the Atlanta Division, which oversees Raleigh.

The indictment charges Darrell Alan Thompson, Antonio Rasheed Hair, and Michael James Pasea with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Thompson, Hair, and Pasea are also charged with multiple counts of bank fraud and aiding and abetting. The defendants face up to 30 years' imprisonment for each count of conviction on these charges. Additionally, Thompson is charged with theft of mail and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. If convicted, Thompson faces up to 5 years' imprisonment for the theft charge and up to 15 years' imprisonment for the gun charge.

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Raleigh Police Department are investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Hulbig is prosecuting the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-CR-00042-M-RN

An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.