Aquarius Jones, Bank Fraud, Mail Theft, Florida 2022

Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud and Mail Theft Scheme

Orlando, Florida – In a shocking turn of events, Aquarius Jones, 24, of Fort Pierce, Florida, has pleaded guilty to his role in a mail theft scheme. Jones, along with his co-conspirator Johnathan Bryant, allegedly stole mail from a United States Postal Service collection box using 'fishing' devices made from shoelaces, mouthwash bottles, and mouse glue traps.

According to court documents, on July 22, 2022, Jones and Bryant assembled the devices and lowered them into the mail slot of the collection box, stealing mail from inside. Additionally, between January and July 2022, Jones obtained checks that had been stolen from mailboxes, altered the names of the recipients on the stolen checks, and fraudulently deposited those checks into various bank accounts belonging to individuals other than the intended check recipients.

Jones pleaded guilty to bank fraud and faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison. Bryant, on the other hand, pleaded guilty to mail theft and faces up to five years in federal prison. Sentencing dates have not yet been set.

The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Winter Park Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Hu.

Aquarius Jones is currently being held without bond. The court has set a date for sentencing, but it has not yet been announced.

This case highlights the severity of mail theft and bank fraud in Florida. It is essential for residents to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

In related news, mail theft and bank fraud cases have been on the rise in Florida in recent years. Residents are advised to take extra precautions to protect their mail and financial information.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/fort-pierce-men-plead-guilty-bank-fraud-and-mail-theft