Connor Lee Austin, Theft of Mail, Florida 2023

Mail Thief Brings Shame to Starke Community

A shocking case of mail theft has rocked the quiet town of Starke, Florida, with the indictment of Connor Lee Austin, 31, and his accomplice Maranda Ann Stewart, 26, both from Starke.

According to court documents and public records, Austin and Stewart stole First Class mail over multiple months in 2022, leaving unsuspecting residents feeling vulnerable and exposed.

The pair's brazen crime spree has landed them in hot water, with each facing up to five years in federal prison and payment of restitution to the victims in the case.

Austin, who is currently serving a 36-month prison sentence for grand theft, grand theft from a dwelling, and burglary, appeared in federal court on April 19, 2023, pursuant to a writ bringing him to Jacksonville from Florida State Prison. He was ordered detained pending trial.

Stewart, on the other hand, appeared in federal court on April 17, 2023, and was released on a bond. Their trial is set for June 2023, leaving the residents of Starke eagerly awaiting justice.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Postal Inspection Service, with valuable assistance from the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/starke-couple-indicted-mail-theft-charge