ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Two Rochester residents were arrested and charged today in connection with a series of crimes involving the robbery of a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) letter carrier and the unlawful possession of USPS mailbox keys. U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced that Shyasia Kelis McCullough, 23, and Malik Shameer McCray, 24, face charges that include mail theft, conspiracy, and the robbery of a USPS employee. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is prosecuting the case, the charges stem from an incident on June 5, 2023, when a USPS letter carrier was robbed while delivering mail on Lake Avenue in Rochester. The stolen keys included a mailbox key, a vehicle key, and keys to secured buildings along the mail delivery route. Surveillance footage in the area helped Postal Inspectors identify a suspect and a vehicle believed to be involved in the robbery.
On June 9, 2023, a Gates Police Officer spotted the suspect vehicle entering the Westgate Post Office and initiated a traffic stop. McCray was driving the vehicle with McCullough as a passenger. McCray was taken into custody for traffic violations.
A search of the vehicle revealed multiple personal checks with different names, a USPS vehicle key, and other keys matching those stolen from the letter carrier. Investigators also recovered items suggesting involvement in mail theft, check washing, and bank fraud, including blank check stock paper, numerous cell phones, ski masks, invoices, and credit/debit cards in various names. Additionally, a ledger was found that appeared to list individuals who provided access to their financial accounts for fraudulent check deposits.
Evidence from McCray’s cell phone included a chat between McCray and McCullough discussing the robbery, as well as a photo of the stolen mail keys.
The investigation was led by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with support from the Rochester Police Department and the Gates Police Department.