Chad Woods, Mail Theft, Louisiana 2024

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Chad Woods, a 29-year-old New Orleans resident, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal United States Mail in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, possession of a United States Postal Service (USPS) "arrow" key in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1704, and possession of stolen mail that had been deposited into authorized mail receptacles, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1708.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the guilty plea on Thursday, December 19, 2024. United States District Court Judge Eldon E. Fallon has set sentencing for March 27, 2025.

According to the indictment, on June 23, 2022, Woods and another man stole mail from one location and attempted to steal mail from another location in Kenner, Louisiana. The co-conspirator acted as the driver and Woods used the USPS key to steal mail from the first location. After a police chase, the pair were found in possession of 36 stolen checks, including one forged counterfeit check, six opened pieces of mail, and the USPS "arrow key" used to open the USPS mailboxes to steal mail.

Woods faces a maximum penalty of up to five (5) years imprisonment on the Conspiracy to Steal United States Mail and the Possession of Stolen Mail counts, and up to ten (10) years imprisonment on the count of Possession of the United States Postal Service mail key, each of these counts to be followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Kenner Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

The incident highlights the importance of mail security and the consequences of stealing mail. Woods’ guilty plea serves as a reminder that mail theft is a serious crime with severe penalties.

In conclusion, Chad Woods’ guilty plea to conspiracy to steal United States Mail, possession of a United States Postal Service key, and possession of stolen mail is a significant development in the case. The sentencing hearing is set for March 27, 2025.

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