Photo: Justice Department
A former United States Postal Service (USPS) worker, Hachikosela Muchimba, 44, from Washington, D.C., was convicted last week of stealing over $1.6 million in checks from the mail. He used the stolen funds to finance a luxurious lifestyle, including stays at luxury hotels and visits to gentlemen's clubs.
Between December 2020 and March 2023, Muchimba executed a scheme to steal U.S. Treasury and private party checks from the mail. He deposited these checks, often altered or falsely endorsed, into bank accounts under his control. Surveillance footage captured him making deposits and withdrawals while still wearing his USPS uniform.
The U.S. Attorney's Office revealed that Muchimba's fraudulent activities funded international travel, including a trip to the Bulgari Resort Bali, where he made a $14,532.94 debit card purchase. His actions led to charges of conspiracy to commit theft of mail, bank fraud, and unlawful procurement of citizenship, among others. Each count of bank fraud carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, while mail theft carries up to five years, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Muchimba also falsely claimed to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that he had not committed any crimes, which could lead to a 10-year sentence and possible denaturalization. He is scheduled for sentencing on August 8, 2025, and will remain in custody until then.