Mail thieves strike again in Pittsburgh, this time targeting apartment buildings in the Shadyside and North Oakland areas. According to a federal indictment, Christopher Eric Carr, 45, of Munhall, Pa., and Ron Matthew Sharp, 42, of Duquesne, Pa., have been charged with conspiracy and mail theft.
The indictment, returned on July 31, details a scheme in which Carr and Sharp entered multiple apartment buildings and stole packages and mail items not addressed to them. They would then sell the stolen items, including gift cards, to others, who would redeem them at local stores.
The investigation, led by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the United States Department of Homeland Security, uncovered a complex web of crime that spanned several months. From February through May of 2018, Carr and Sharp targeted numerous apartment buildings, stealing packages and mail items at will.
The indictment highlights the brazen nature of the crime, with the defendants openly stealing packages and mail from authorized mail depositories. The stolen items, including gift cards, were then sold to others, who would redeem them at local stores, including Giant Eagle and GetGo.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christy C. Wiegand is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. An indictment is an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting our mail and packages from theft. Residents are urged to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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