Fortino Pilier, 28, of Buffalo, NY, has pleaded guilty to possessing a postal service key, a crime that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The guilty plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, who stated that Pilier pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright is handling the case.
According to Wright, on October 23, 2024, Pilier was a passenger in a vehicle that was pulled over by Erie County Sheriff’s deputies. During the traffic stop, Pilier fled from the vehicle and deputies pursued and arrested him. After he was arrested, Pilier was searched, and two United States Postal arrow keys were found in his pocket.
An arrow key can be used to open authorized mail receptacles owned by the Postal Service. Pilier admitted that he planned to use the arrow keys to unlawfully access mail receptacles. The investigation was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Ketty Larco-Ward.
The plea is a significant development in the case, and Pilier now faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for November 14, 2025, before Judge Sinatra. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat mail theft and protect the integrity of the postal system.
The United States Postal Inspection Service has been working to prevent mail theft and related crimes, and the guilty plea in this case demonstrates the effectiveness of these efforts. The investigation and prosecution of Pilier serve as a warning to those who would seek to exploit the postal system for their own gain.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Erie County Sheriff’s deputies, saying that their efforts had brought a criminal to justice. The case will now move forward to sentencing, where Pilier will face the consequences of his actions.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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