Mail Thief Caught

⏱ 2 min read

Terrence Thompson Jr., a 24-year-old New Orleans man, was sentenced for stealing mail from the Gretna Post Office in Louisiana. On September 12 and 20, 2021, Thompson stole approximately 232 pieces of mail, and was later found with a United States Postal Service ‘arrow’ key on October 5, 2021. The key is used by postal employees to access authorized mail receptacles. Thompson’s motives are unclear, but his actions have resulted in a 15-month prison sentence.

Thompson pleaded guilty to unlawful possession and use of the postal key and theft of mail, violating Title 18 of the United States Code, Sections 1704 and 1708. U.S. District Court Judge Greg G. Guidry handed down the sentence, which includes 2 years of supervised release and a $300 special assessment fee.

The investigation was led by the United States Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Gretna Police Department and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle praised the work of these agencies in bringing Thompson to justice.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Maestri of the General Crimes Unit prosecuted the case. The sentence serves as a warning to those who would exploit the trust placed in the United States Postal Service.