Related Federal Cases
Brooklyn Man Charged with Gunpoint Postal Robbery
A ten-count indictment has been unsealed charging Brooklyn man Alfonso Forney, 45, with robbery of a postal worker, a related firearms offense, mail theft related offenses, wire fraud, bank fraud, access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.
The defendant’s initial appearance is scheduled for this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Marutollo at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn.
United States Attorney Breon Peace and USPIS Inspector-in-Charge Daniel Brubaker announced the charges, stating that the safety of mail carriers is essential to the unobstructed flow of goods, checks and information through the United States Postal Service.
Forney allegedly engaged in both a robbery and mail theft scheme as well as an identity theft scheme. With respect to the robbery and mail theft scheme, the defendant and others committed gunpoint robberies of United States Postal Service mail carriers to obtain universal keys that allow mail carriers to access various postal boxes. The defendant and others used the keys to steal mail, including checks from the mail, which were subsequently deposited into the defendant’s bank accounts or otherwise cashed.
With respect to the identity theft scheme, the defendant misrepresented himself as another individual to fraudulently gain access to the victim’s bank accounts. He did so by changing the address on the victim’s driver’s license to his own address, and then ordering a duplicate of that driver’s license to his residence. After gaining access to the victim’s bank accounts, the defendant withdrew at least $245,000 and deposited a portion of the funds into his own bank accounts. The defendant also used the victim’s identity to obtain an automobile loan for approximately $25,000, which the defendant used to purchase a vehicle in the victim’s name.
The charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, the defendant faces up to 39 years’ imprisonment.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. Assistant United States Attorney Sean M. Sherman is in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Stephanie Heyward.
Forney’s alleged crimes have left a trail of financial devastation, with victims losing thousands of dollars in stolen checks and identity theft. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting mail carriers and preventing violent crimes.
The case is assigned to United States District Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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