The case was a result of a collaborative effort among the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, FBI, and Richmond County Sheriff's Office, highlighting strong federal and local agency cooperation.

Authorities emphasized that Overton's conduct involved abuse of trust and stolen government property, underscoring law enforcement's stance against such crimes.

Overton was also found in possession of a firearm and a loaded magazine despite being a prior felon, further illustrating the severity of his criminal activities.

U.S. District Judge J. Randall Hall sentenced Overton to 84 months in prison, ordered him to pay a $2,000 fine and $300 in assessments, and imposed three years of supervised release, with no parole.

Officials emphasized that the sentence sends a strong message against mail fraud and identity theft, pledging continued efforts to protect the mail system and hold offenders accountable.

Victims of mail theft from local post offices between March 1, 2023, and November 30, 2023, are urged to file reports by June 30, 2025, with instructions available on the U.S. Postal Inspection Service website.

Earl Demetrius Overton, a 32-year-old from Richmond County, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for using stolen master keys to break into postal deposit boxes and steal mail, including checks, which he then altered and deposited into bank accounts to withdraw over $400,000.

Overton's scheme involved forging checks and exploiting stolen mail, victimizing hundreds of citizens and contributing to a rise in mail theft and related crimes in the CSRA.

The investigation and prosecution aimed to protect citizens and the financial system from fraud, emphasizing community security and law enforcement cooperation.

Overton was one of several individuals indicted in a larger investigation involving gang and drug trafficking, with other defendants, including postal workers, awaiting federal sentencing.

Overton pleaded guilty to bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, with authorities highlighting the scope of his criminal activities.

Law enforcement officials pointed out that stolen checks and cards are often used by gangs to fund their activities, further exacerbating the problem of mail theft in the area.