started · updated
Houston postal carriers charged in $23 million check-theft scheme
Five individuals, including three Houston postal carriers, have been federally charged in connection with an alleged check-theft scheme that generated over $23 million over nearly six years.
According to federal prosecutors and investigators, the scheme was allegedly orchestrated by Tryston Vaughn, who recruited postal carriers to remove checks from the mail stream. The stolen checks were then advertised and sold through an encrypted Telegram group known as 'Slips and Chips.' Once sold, the checks were reportedly shipped to buyers via FedEx.
The indicted postal carriers include Catherine Kilpatrick, Drakkor Alexander, and Malcolm Joubert. The indictment notes that stolen checks included amounts such as $16,000, $25,000, and $80,000, with the largest identified check allegedly worth $1.5 million.
A fifth defendant, Alyssa Bryant, is accused of selling a stolen check to a buyer on Telegram for $25,000.
Entities
Catherine Kilpatrick · Drakkor Alexander · Houston · Malcolm Joubert · Tryston Vaughn
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Stolen checks were allegedly shipped to buyers using FedEx. abc11.com · abc7.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Stolen checks were allegedly advertised and sold via a Telegram group named 'Slips and Chips.' abc11.com · abc7.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Alyssa Bryant is accused of selling a stolen check for $25,000 on Telegram. abc11.com · abc7.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Catherine Kilpatrick, Drakkor Alexander, and Malcolm Joubert are among the postal carriers charged. abc11.com · abc7.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Tryston Vaughn allegedly orchestrated the scheme by recruiting postal carriers to steal checks. abc11.com · abc7.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The alleged check-theft scheme generated more than $23 million over approximately six years. abc11.com · abc7.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The largest check identified in the indictment was allegedly worth $1.5 million. abc11.com · abc7.com