The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has been rocked by a scandal involving one of its own. Scott Kelley, a former head of Boston’s Mail Theft Unit, faces serious charges after allegedly stealing over $330,000 in cash from packages. According to federal prosecutors, Kelley used the stolen funds for lavish personal expenses, including home improvements, Caribbean cruises, and escorts. This breach of trust not only violates the law but also undermines the public’s confidence in the postal service’s integrity.
This article delves into the details of the case against Kelley, exploring the charges, the evidence presented by prosecutors, and the potential implications for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. It also examines the broader context of mail theft and fraud, highlighting the importance of vigilance and accountability within the postal system. Understanding the specifics of this case is crucial for maintaining transparency and restoring faith in the institutions that serve the public.
Who Is Scott Kelley, the Accused Postal Inspector?
Scott Kelley served as a U.S. postal inspector and headed Boston’s Mail Theft Unit. He was responsible for investigating mail fraud and theft, making the charges against him particularly egregious. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Massachusetts, Kelley allegedly exploited his position to steal cash from packages, diverting the funds for personal use. The indictment outlines a scheme that spanned several years, involving the manipulation of postal procedures and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
Before his alleged crimes came to light, Kelley was a figure of authority within the postal service. His role required him to uphold the law and protect the integrity of the mail system. However, prosecutors claim that he abused this authority for personal gain, betraying the trust placed in him by his colleagues and the public.
The Charges Against Kelley: Wire Fraud, Mail Theft, and More
Scott Kelley faces a total of 45 counts, including wire fraud, mail fraud, mail theft by a postal officer, theft of government money, money laundering, structuring to evade reporting requirements, and filing false tax returns. Each charge carries significant penalties, reflecting the severity of the alleged crimes. The wire fraud and mail fraud charges stem from Kelley’s alleged scheme to steal cash from packages sent by victims of a Jamaican lottery scam. Prosecutors claim that Kelley tricked postal workers into sending him packages flagged as being mailed by these victims, allowing him to intercept and steal the cash.
The money laundering charges relate to Kelley’s alleged efforts to conceal the stolen funds. According to prosecutors, Kelley used postal money orders and multiple bank accounts to hide the source of the money and evade detection. He also allegedly structured deposits to avoid triggering reporting requirements, further concealing his illicit activities.
Evidence Uncovered by Federal Prosecutors
Federal prosecutors have presented a range of evidence to support the charges against Scott Kelley. This includes evidence that Kelley stole cash from nearly 2,000 packages and $7,000 from an evidence locker, which he then blamed on one of his direct reports. The prosecutors detailed how Kelley allegedly hid the stolen money, nearly half of which was used to buy postal money orders, including by listing relatives as the people buying the orders. He is also accused of spreading deposits across four bank accounts over 60 days.
The evidence also includes details of how Kelley allegedly spent the stolen money. Prosecutors claim that he used the funds for a $20,000 pool patio, nearly $10,000 in other upgrades to his pool and outdoor bar, $4,300 in drinks and other expenses at three Caribbean cruises, and more than $15,000 to escorts he paid for sexual services during workdays.
The Victims: Elderly Individuals and the Public Trust
The alleged crimes committed by Scott Kelley had a direct impact on vulnerable individuals. Prosecutors identified seven victims of the Jamaican lottery scam, with an average age of 75. These individuals mailed as much as $19,100 in cash, believing they were paying fees or taxes to claim lottery winnings. Kelley allegedly intercepted these packages and stole the cash, leaving the victims without their money and their hopes dashed. One victim even met Kelley in person, and Kelley allegedly told them he didn’t know what happened to their package.
Beyond the direct victims, Kelley’s alleged actions also harmed the public’s trust in the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. As the head of the Mail Theft Unit, Kelley was responsible for protecting the mail system from fraud and theft. By allegedly engaging in these very activities, he undermined the agency’s mission and eroded public confidence.
U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Response
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has issued a statement on the allegations against Scott Kelley. Ketty D. Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division, said that the allegations, if proven, are in direct opposition to what the U.S. Postal Inspection Service stands for and would be wholly inconsistent with the exceptional work which postal inspectors do every day to protect the Postal Service and the American public.
Larco-Ward also emphasized that the U.S. Postal Inspection Service exists to hold accountable those who would commit crimes involving the U.S. Mail. When they were made aware of a serious allegation of misconduct, they referred the matter to the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General consistent with Postal Service policy, so that a complete, fair, and impartial investigation could be conducted. They stand committed to working cooperatively with all stakeholders to see that justice is done.
Conclusion: Implications and the Path Forward
The case against Scott Kelley has significant implications for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the public it serves. If the allegations are proven, they would represent a serious breach of trust and a violation of the law. The case also highlights the vulnerability of elderly individuals to fraud schemes and the importance of protecting them from exploitation.
Moving forward, it is essential for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to take steps to restore public confidence and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. This may include strengthening internal controls, enhancing training programs, and increasing oversight of postal inspectors. It is also crucial to continue educating the public about mail fraud schemes and providing resources for victims.
Leave a Reply