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Written by: A. Smith
Published March 31, 2025 @ 1:25 PM ET
BIBB COUNTY, Ga. – A Fayetteville man pleaded guilty in federal court Monday to using a mail “trap” to steal checks from a collection box as part of a scheme to sell them online, prosecutors said.
Keyon Ponder admitted to one count of bank fraud and now faces up to 30 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service launched an investigation into mail thefts at a Macon post office on May 29, 2024, after inspectors discovered a piece of cardboard inside a blue collection box. The makeshift device prevented mail from falling into the box, allowing someone to reach in and retrieve letters.
Two days later, a U.S. Postal Service employee noticed a black Tesla pulling up to the collection box multiple times. The driver never deposited any mail, raising suspicions. That afternoon, inspectors observed the same Tesla return and saw the driver reach into the box and pull out items.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office later stopped the vehicle and identified the driver as Ponder. Inside the car, deputies found 52 pieces of stolen mail, two cellphones, and a cardboard box with tape matching the device used in the mailbox trap.
While in jail, security cameras recorded Ponder removing an envelope from his pants. Authorities later determined it contained additional stolen checks.
In total, prosecutors said Ponder was in possession of 59 checks worth $96,000. Investigators also found more than 500 images of stolen checks on his phones, which were allegedly being sold through the messaging app Telegram.
Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker released the following statement: “Keyon Ponder’s stolen check scheme defrauded citizens and businesses alike, a crime that will ultimately cost him years in prison. I commend the actions of U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigators who quickly responded to reports of theft from a Blue Box, ultimately preventing additional fraud and helping us hold the perpetrator accountable.”
Ponder’s sentencing date has not yet been set.