Evergreen Reporter

A mail carrier from Florissant, Missouri, was arrested following an indictment accusing her of selling a key to U.S. Postal Service mail collection boxes and stolen checks. Cambria Hopkins, 29, was indicted on October 30 for conspiracy, unlawful use of a mail key, and bribery. After her arrest at the U.S. Post Office in Clayton, she appeared in U.S. District Court in St. Louis and pleaded not guilty.

The indictment alleges that on March 20, 2022, Hopkins accepted money from Malik A. Jones for her "arrow key," which provides access to USPS collection boxes. Hopkins reportedly knew Jones intended to use the key to steal mail. She is also accused of stealing mail herself, removing checks from it, and providing them to Jones in exchange for cash payments and other benefits.

Jones, 27, pleaded guilty on October 25 to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft; his sentencing is scheduled for January 30, 2025.

Special Agent in Charge Dennus Bishop praised the efforts of USPS OIG Special Agents and U.S. Postal Inspectors: “This indictment represents the hard work and dedication by USPS OIG Special Agents and U.S. Postal Inspectors working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring charges on this significant mail theft investigation.” He added that most postal employees are dedicated public servants committed to their duties.

Inspector in Charge Ruth Mendonça emphasized the role of collaboration in tackling such cases: “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is the federal law enforcement branch of the U.S. Postal Service charged with protecting the nation’s mail system from illegal use."

If convicted, Hopkins faces up to five years in prison or a $250,000 fine for conspiracy; up to ten years for unlawful use of a mail key; and up to fifteen years for bribery.

The case is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Clow prosecuting.