SAN ANTONIO, TX – Zachary Wayne Crowell, 35, of San Antonio is headed to federal prison for 30 months after admitting to a brazen scheme involving stolen mail, fraudulent checks, and the illegal purchase of firearms. The sentencing, handed down today, marks the latest development in a case highlighting the growing threat of mailbox raiding and its connection to broader financial crimes.
According to court documents, Crowell wasn’t acting alone. He was part of a crew systematically breaking into mailboxes across San Antonio, pilfering checks, credit cards, identification, and bank statements. The stolen checks were then “washed” – a common technique to erase the original payee and redirect funds – and deposited into accounts controlled by Crowell and his accomplice, Brandon James Waggoner. Before the banks flagged the fraudulent activity, the pair allegedly drained the accounts. The operation wasn’t limited to financial gain; Crowell also used the stolen identities to illegally purchase firearms.
Crowell pleaded guilty on May 18, 2021, to one count of Bank Fraud. In addition to the prison term, Judge ordered Crowell to pay $39,743.62 in restitution to the victims of his fraud and will be subject to five years of supervised release upon completion of his sentence. The U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff stressed the seriousness of the crimes, noting the ripple effect of mailbox break-ins, which often lead to identity theft and further financial losses.
“Mailbox break-ins and postal theft are serious crimes that can create havoc as they often lead to further affronts such as fraud, financial loss and identity theft, as happened here,” Hoff stated. “It is striking that Zachary Crowell illegally purchased guns as a result of breaking into mailboxes in this case. We will continue to work closely with our partners to investigate and prosecute these matters to the fullest extent of federal law.” The U.S. Secret Service, which took the lead on the investigation, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to protecting the nation’s financial institutions.
Paul Duran, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, highlighted the collaborative effort with other law enforcement agencies. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) also played a crucial role, with Inspector in Charge Scott Fix emphasizing their dedication to protecting the integrity of the U.S. Mail. “Postal Inspectors will work tirelessly to identify and arrest individuals like Zachary Wayne Crowell who choose to steal mail and use it to commit further crimes,” Fix said. The investigation also involved the Texas Department of Public Safety, Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, and San Antonio Police Department.
Crowell’s co-defendant, Brandon James Waggoner, 35, previously pleaded guilty to one count of Bank Fraud on October 5, 2021, and received a sentence of time served, along with a five-year supervised release and an order to pay $4,992 in restitution on February 1, 2022. Assistant U.S. Attorney William R. Harris prosecuted the case, bringing a successful conclusion to a complex investigation that exposed a dangerous pattern of fraud and illegal activity.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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