News Summary
Rashad Deon Stolden, a former USPS letter carrier, was sentenced to five-and-a-half years for stealing over $10 million in checks and debit cards. He admitted to collaborating in a mail theft scheme that exploited the California Employment Development Department’s resources, causing significant losses for victims. Alongside another letter carrier, Stolden’s actions included cashing stolen high-value checks and illicit transactions using personal information from EDD cardholders. His case highlights vulnerabilities in the postal system and the severe impact of organized fraud.
Huntington Beach, CA – Former USPS Letter Carrier Sentenced for Massive Theft
Rashad Deon Stolden, a 34-year-old resident of Huntington Beach, received a sentence of five-and-a-half years in federal prison on September 8 for his involvement in an extensive mail theft scheme that resulted in the loss of over $10 million in checks and debit cards. Stolden was employed as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service at the Bicentennial Post Office in the Fairfax district of Los Angeles from 2020 until August 2024.
The majority of the stolen items originated from the California Employment Development Department (EDD), which oversees unemployment and disability benefits. Stolden admitted to stealing high-value checks and prepaid debit cards, leading to significant financial losses for countless victims.
On April 14, Stolden pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. His sentencing included an order to repay $1,627,291 in restitution to the victims of his crimes. Prosecutors highlighted Stolden’s disregard for the suffering his actions caused, focusing instead on personal gain.
Details of the Scheme
Stolden’s criminal activities primarily involved collaborating with another letter carrier, Charlie Green, who is scheduled for sentencing on September 14. Together, they devised plans to steal and sell checks to co-conspirators who used counterfeit identity documents to cash them. The thefts also included obtaining personal information from EDD cardholders, allowing them to activate stolen debit cards and use them for illicit transactions.
In a particularly notable incident in June 2022, Stolden stole a $7.3 million Treasury check, which was subsequently negotiated for over $1 million in a Tennessee bank, underscoring the massive scale of their operation. Stolden and his associates enjoyed lavish lifestyles funded by the stolen money, with extravagant expenses such as a potential $13,000 hotel stay in Bora Bora and a consideration for a $20,000 stay in the Presidential Villa at the Conrad.
Both Stolden and Green have remained free on a $50,000 bond since their arrests. Several co-conspirators involved in the scheme have been prosecuted separately, indicating a broader network engaged in fraudulent activities targeting the postal system.
Law Enforcement Response
The investigation into Stolden’s activities involved multiple federal agencies, including the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General and the Coast Guard Investigative Services. These agencies worked collaboratively to uncover the sophisticated operation behind the thefts, which exploited the trust placed in postal workers.
Stolden’s case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within systems designed to protect citizens, particularly in matters relating to personal and financial information. With federal officials emphasizing Stolden’s lack of empathy for his victims, it has drawn attention to the need for enhanced security measures within the postal service to safeguard against future fraudulent activities.
Conclusion
As Stolden begins his prison sentence, the case stands as a significant example of the consequences of betraying public trust and the severe impact of organized theft. The repercussions of his actions extend beyond financial losses, affecting the lives of many individuals who rely on government services for crucial support.
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Additional Resources
- Hoodline: Former Huntington Beach Mail Carrier Sentenced
- Los Angeles Times: Fountain Valley Police Arrest Mail Theft Suspects
- CBS News: LA USPS Letter Carrier Sentenced
- Google Search: USPS mail theft
- Daily Breeze: Ex-US Mail Carrier in Torrance Pleads Guilty
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mail theft
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
