Hachikosela Muchimba, a former USPS employee, is facing a 30-year sentence after being convicted for a $1.6 million fraud scheme.
Quick Takes
- Hachikosela Muchimba was found guilty of mail theft and bank fraud, stealing over $1.6 million.
- He intercepted, altered, and falsely endorsed checks to deposit into his accounts.
- The funds were used for a lavish lifestyle, including luxury travel and hotel stays.
- Muchimba is also guilty of unlawful procurement of naturalization.
A Scheme Unveiled
Hachikosela Muchimba, who worked for the U.S. Postal Service from December 2020 to March 2023, orchestrated a complex scheme to intercept and divert checks from the mail system. He executed a scheme to steal U.S. Treasury checks and private party checks from the U.S. mail, according to court documents. His activities were brazen, involving the alteration and false endorsement of these checks, which were then deposited into accounts he controlled.
Security footage provided compelling evidence, capturing Muchimba actively making deposits and withdrawals. The extent of his fraudulent activities became apparent as investigators discovered his international travel records, stays at luxury hotels, and transactions at gentlemen’s clubs, all fueled by his illegally acquired wealth.
Legal Repercussions
Muchimba’s attempt to evade justice led to his arrest in September 2023 while trying to flee to Zambia. Despite these efforts, he now faces substantial legal consequences. Muchimba was found guilty on multiple counts, including the unlawful procurement of naturalization, where he provided misleading information to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. “Muchimba was also found guilty at trial of unlawful procurement of naturalization,” according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
His sentencing, scheduled for August 8, will consider U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutory factors. The combined potential penalties include 30 years for bank fraud, with additional time for mail theft and unlawful naturalization procurement. His lawyer, Steve Roy Kiersh, has declined to comment on the matter thus far. The case underscores the profound impact of white-collar crime, highlighting the necessity for robust oversight and accountability within federal agencies.
Sources
1. Former USPS employee found guilty of stealing over $1.6M to fund lavish lifestyle
