Steven C. Williams, Bribery, PA 2024

PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has dropped a heavy hammer on a group of postal workers and marijuana organization members, charging them with bribery in connection with large-scale marijuana trafficking.

Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen announced that Steven C. Williams, 42, and Felicia Charleston, 35, both postal carriers at the West Market Post Office, have been charged along with six marijuana organization associates: Chester Wynter, 49; Barrington Russell, 44; Damion Parkes, 44; Gillion Watson, 32; Marvia Shirley, 32; Patrick Purrier, 38; and Anthony Washington, 27.

Williams, the postal carrier at the heart of the conspiracy, is facing a life sentence for his role in distributing over 100 kilograms of marijuana. He allegedly exploited his position to divert packages from legitimate addresses to members of the marijuana organization, paying them off with cash.

Charleston, also charged with conspiracy to distribute, left her postal route to assist in this illegal activity. The two were joined by other conspirators who distributed the drugs once they were delivered to 48 N. Hobart Street and various locations in West Philadelphia.

The penalties for these crimes are severe. Williams could face life imprisonment, a ten-year mandatory minimum sentence, and a fine of $28,500,000. Charleston is looking at similar sentences, but with a maximum fine of $20,250,000. The other conspirators also face substantial fines and lengthy prison terms.

Lappen emphasized the collaboration between law enforcement agencies in this investigation, stating that ‘the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to investigate and prosecute postal service and other federal employees who undermine the integrity of government operations through bribery and other unlawful conduct.’ Monica Weyler, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, commended the hardworking majority of postal employees who maintain the trust of the American public.

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