Related Federal Cases
- D.C. Felon’s Pot Stop Lands Him Two Years for Stolen Glock · Virginia
- DC Felon Sentenced: Stolen Glock Lands Man in Federal Prison · District of Columbia
- Stolen Glock Lands D.C. Man Two Years in Federal Prison · Virginia
- D.C. Gunman Gets Two Years: Stolen Glock Lands Felon Back in Cage · Virginia
- Stolen Glock Lands D.C. Man Two Years in Federal Lockup · Virginia
Chesapeake Man Lands 12 Years for USPS Robberies
A Chesapeake man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for his role in a conspiracy to rob U.S. Postal Service mail carriers at gunpoint for their highly valued ‘arrow keys.’
O’Sirus Charles Landres Ford, 22, of Chesapeake, was a member of a social media group identified by three key emojis, and was one of the masterminds behind the armed robberies. Ford and his co-conspirators targeted USPS mail carriers in an attempt to steal arrow keys, which are used to access blue collection boxes, outdoor parcel lockers, and apartment mailbox panels.
According to court documents, Ford and his co-conspirators rented a car through Turo, a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform, to use in their robberies. Ford recruited two other individuals, including a minor, to commit the robbery, and conducted reconnaissance in Hampton before shifting the target to Norfolk. On one occasion, Ford brandished a firearm and robbed a carrier of his arrow key and USPS identification card.
After the robbery, Ford told his co-conspirators that other co-conspirators did not want arrow keys from Norfolk, but asked them to participate in another robbery the following day in Newport News. Ford then recruited Jayden Stukes, 21, of Suffolk, to assist him in the robbery. Ford and Stukes, along with Da’Twan Watson, 24, of Chesapeake, were all armed with handguns and wore masks that could cover their faces.
On another occasion, Ford, Watson, and Stukes encountered a carrier on Galax Street in Hampton, where Ford brandished his firearm and demanded the victim’s keys. Ford and Watson then fled, eventually meeting with Stukes and the driver in an apartment complex nearby. Ford pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to interfere with commerce by robbery and one count of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a crime of violence.
On Dec. 13, 2023, Watson pleaded guilty to interfering with commerce by robbery and aiding and abetting. On April 18, Watson was sentenced to four years in prison. Ford was sentenced to 12 years in prison for his role in the conspiracy.
The case highlights the growing threat of mail theft and the significance of arrow keys in facilitating identity theft and financial crimes. The U.S. Postal Service has implemented various measures to protect its personnel and mail, but the threat remains a concern for law enforcement agencies.
The sentencing of Ford and Watson serves as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in such crimes and highlights the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the community in preventing and investigating mail-related crimes.
Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
