Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DARREN BRANDON WILLIAMS, age 29, of Oakland, California, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to alter U.S. Postal money orders.
According to the court records, WILLIAMS conspired with others in the New Orleans area to buy U.S. Postal money orders in small amounts (typically $1.00). These money orders were sent out of state where they were altered to much higher amounts. WILLIAMS, working with other conspirators, then enlisted individuals to deposit the altered U.S. Postal money orders into local bank accounts. Once the money orders cleared, the funds were withdrawn and split by WILLIAMS and the conspirators.
WILLIAMS faces up to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance set sentencing for February 21, 2018.
Acting U. S. Attorney Evans praised the investigative work of the United States Postal Inspector Office for its handling of the matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera is in charge of the prosecution.