A shocking case of corruption has rocked the Memphis community as a US Postal Service mail carrier has been sentenced for conspiring to distribute oxycodone and marijuana through the mail. Frederick Burton, 52, of Memphis, had a long career with the Postal Service, dating back to 2001.
Between late 2013 and the spring of 2014, Burton arranged with the leaders of a drug trafficking organization to have express mail packages containing controlled substances mailed to addresses on his mail route. In exchange for cash, Burton would divert those packages to members of the drug trafficking organization.
Law enforcement investigators captured surveillance on over two dozen instances which showed Burton diverting packages to persons off of his assigned postal route. A conservative estimate revealed that Burton distributed over 800 kilograms of marijuana and oxycodone.
Frederick Burton pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute oxycodone, and one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute marijuana in February 2016.
On Wednesday, May 11, 2016, Burton was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sheryl Lipman to five years imprisonment. In sentencing Burton, Judge Lipman noted the abuse of a position of public trust, considering Burton’s long career with the Postal Service.
Burton is currently on leave without pay from the Postal Service. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspectors, and the U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Reagan Taylor prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf. The shocking case highlights the dangers of corruption within our institutions and the importance of holding those in positions of power accountable for their actions.
Related Federal Cases
- Georgia Drug Kingpin James Hedelsky Sentenced to Life for Methamphetamine Conspiracy · Tennessee
- Collins Faces Federal Charges for Narcotics Ring · Arkansas
- FedEx Worker Convicted of Stealing from U.S. Mail · Tennessee
- Final 2 UVL Members Convicted in Shocking Murder Case · Tennessee
- Memphis Carjacker Gets 20 Years · Tennessee
Key Facts
- State: Tennessee
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News