Richmond County Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Mail Theft, Bank Fraud, and Identity Theft

Augusta, GA – Earl Demetrius Overton, 32, of Augusta, Georgia, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for using a United States Postal Service key to steal mail, commit bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft. In addition, U.S. District Court Judge J. Randall Hall ordered Overton to pay a $2,000 fine, $300 in special assessments, and to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term.

Court documents revealed that Overton obtained a USPS collection key and used it to steal mail, including business checks, from collection boxes in the Augusta area. He then altered the checks, deposited them into bank accounts, and withdrew the money, stealing funds before the banks realized the checks were fraudulent. The scheme attempted to defraud more than $400,000.

Already a convicted felon, Overton was also found in possession of a firearm with a loaded 15-round magazine, along with stolen checks, cash, financial documents, and debit cards.

“This sentencing sends a clear message that the mail system will not be exploited for personal gain,” said U.S. Attorney Margaret E. Heap. Rodney M. Hopkins, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division, emphasized that the U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue holding offenders accountable. Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, noted that Overton’s actions jeopardized the safety and financial security of countless victims.

Sheriff Eugene Brantley added, “We will not tolerate those who victimize our community through crimes like these. The citizens of Richmond County deserve to feel secure, and we are grateful for the collaboration that brought justice in this case.”

The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, FBI, and Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney David H. Estes.