Show-Me State Times

A former postal carrier from Florissant, Missouri, has pleaded guilty to charges related to a conspiracy to steal checks from the mail. Cambria M. Hopkins, 30, admitted in federal court that she participated in a scheme involving the theft of personal and business checks and the sale of a specialized mail key.

According to court documents, Hopkins was based in Clayton and conspired with others to steal mail for fraudulent purposes. On March 20, 2022, she sold her “arrow key,” which grants access to U.S. Postal Service collection boxes, to Malik A. Jones. Hopkins also informed Jones about which collection boxes could be opened with the key. Jones then arranged for others to use the key to steal mail.

Hopkins further admitted stealing mail both at the Post Office and along her delivery route. Between August 2022 and August 2023, she sold stolen checks on multiple occasions to Jones, receiving payment in cash, through CashApp, or in groceries.

Sentencing for Hopkins is set for December 1. The conspiracy charge carries up to five years in prison and a possible $250,000 fine; unlawful use of a mail key carries a maximum sentence of ten years.

Jones previously pleaded guilty on October 25 to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft charges and is awaiting sentencing. He acknowledged recruiting individuals who allowed him access to their bank accounts so he could deposit forged and fraudulent checks taken from stolen mail.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Clow is handling prosecution duties.

"The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General and U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case," according to officials involved.