Former Postal Worker Convicted in $1.6 Million Mail Theft and Fraud Scheme

Bank surveillance footage captured images of Muchimba making deposits and withdrawals of the funds

A former U.S. Postal Service employee has been convicted of stealing approximately $1.6 million in checks, using the funds to finance international travel, luxury hotel stays, and other personal expenses, federal prosecutors announced.

Hachikosela Muchimba, 44, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty by a federal jury on multiple charges, including mail theft and bank fraud. Prosecutors revealed that between December 2020 and March 2023, Muchimba stole U.S. Treasury checks and private checks from the mail while employed by the Postal Service. He then altered or falsely endorsed the checks before depositing them into bank accounts under his control.

Bank surveillance images captured Muchimba making deposits and withdrawals related to the stolen funds. Authorities stated that he used the proceeds to support an extravagant lifestyle, including international trips and high-end entertainment.

Muchimba “deposited the checks, which he either altered and/or falsely endorsed, into bank accounts under his control,” according to the Justice Department.

In addition to mail theft and bank fraud, Muchimba was convicted of engaging in monetary transactions with illegally obtained funds and unlawfully procuring U.S. citizenship. During the scheme, he applied for naturalization and falsely claimed to immigration officials that 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 potential administrative denaturalization.

Muchimba faces a maximum sentence of 30 years for bank fraud and five years for mail theft. His sentencing is scheduled for August 8. At the time of his arrest in September 2023, he was attempting to flee to Zambia.