Ernest Lee Alexander III, Bank Fraud, West Virginia 2024

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Ernest Lee Alexander III, 33, of St. Albans, West Virginia, is facing a potential lifetime of regret after pleading guilty today to federal charges of bank fraud and possession of stolen mail. The guilty plea comes after a brazen attempt to evade law enforcement following a series of fraudulent activities.

The case unfolded on December 13, 2021, when officers in South Charleston attempted a routine traffic stop of Alexander’s vehicle. What followed was a high-speed chase that ripped through western Kanawha County, culminating in a crash after Alexander exited Interstate 77 at Tuppers Creek and lost control. The wreckage yielded more than just twisted metal – it revealed stolen mail and a damning bank receipt.

According to court documents, Alexander didn’t just *have* stolen mail; he exploited it. He used the identification information pilfered from the stolen mail to deposit a fraudulent check into the victim’s bank account. He then promptly withdrew $450, turning identity theft into a quick cash grab. The scheme was sloppy, and the pursuit proved his desperation.

“This wasn’t a victimless crime,” stated a source close to the investigation, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Alexander didn’t just steal money, he stole someone’s peace of mind, their financial security. The Postal Inspection Service takes these violations seriously, and we will relentlessly pursue those who exploit the mail for personal gain.”

United States Attorney Will Thompson announced the guilty plea, praising the collaborative efforts of the United States Postal Inspection Service and the South Charleston Police Department. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing, and Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Keefe is prosecuting the case. Alexander is scheduled for sentencing on May 9, 2023.

If convicted to the maximum, Alexander faces up to 30 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a hefty $1 million fine. A complete press release can be found on the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia website. Court documents related to Case No. 2:22-cr-201 are also available on PACER. This case serves as a stark reminder that even seemingly small-time fraud can carry significant consequences.

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