A former U.S. Postal Service employee has been convicted of multiple federal charges, including mail theft and bank fraud.
Prosecutors revealed that he orchestrated a scheme involving the theft of checks valued at over $1.6 million, which he used to finance an extravagant lifestyle.
Hachikosela Muchimba, 44, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty by a federal jury last week in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Muchimba’s crimes spanned from December 2020 to March 2023, during his tenure as a postal worker. He now faces significant prison time for his actions.
Scheme Details
Court documents revealed that Muchimba targeted U.S. Treasury checks and private party checks sent through the mail. He intercepted these checks, altered or falsely endorsed them, and deposited them into bank accounts under his control. Prosecutors stated that the total amount of stolen funds deposited into his accounts exceeded $1.6 million.
Muchimba allegedly used the proceeds to support an extravagant lifestyle, which included international travel, stays at luxury hotels, and expenditures at gentlemen’s clubs. Bank surveillance footage captured him making deposits and withdrawals related to the stolen funds, further corroborating the evidence against him.
Charges and Conviction
Muchimba was convicted of multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit theft of mail and bank fraud, theft of mail, bank fraud, engaging in monetary transactions involving property derived from unlawful activity, and unlawful procurement of citizenship or naturalization.
The latter charge stemmed from false statements Muchimba made during his application for U.S. citizenship. Prosecutors revealed that he misled U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers by claiming he had not committed any crimes for which he had not been arrested. This offense carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and could lead to administrative denaturalization.
Attempted Flight and Arrest
Muchimba’s arrest in September 2023 came as he was attempting to flee the country to Zambia, according to charging documents reported by WUSA9. His efforts to evade justice were thwarted by law enforcement officials.
Sentencing and Legal Implications
Sentencing in the case is scheduled for August 8, 2024. The bank fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, while the mail theft charge has a maximum sentence of five years. Combined with other charges, Muchimba faces decades behind bars if sentenced to the maximum penalties.
This case underscores the serious consequences of abusing public trust and engaging in fraudulent activities.
The Department of Justice has emphasized its commitment to holding individuals accountable for crimes that undermine public institutions and harm taxpayers.
Hachikosela Muchimba’s conviction highlights the importance of safeguarding the integrity of federal agencies like the U.S. Postal Service. It also serves as a reminder that fraudulent schemes targeting government resources will be met with rigorous investigation and prosecution.
Authorities continue to prioritize efforts to detect and prevent financial crimes, ensuring that individuals who exploit public systems are brought to justice.
