Postal Worker Convicted for Stealing $1.7 Million in Checks

Hachikosela Muchimba, a postal worker, was convicted of stealing and forging checks totaling nearly $1.7 million. He was caught after a customer reported a stolen check, leading to an investigation of a scheme where he deposited forged checks into accounts he controlled. Muchimba used stolen funds to finance a lavish lifestyle while falsely obtaining U.S. citizenship. Sentencing is set for August 8.

Hachikosela Muchimba, a postal worker, has been convicted by a jury for stealing and forging nearly $1.7 million in checks. The charges, reported by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia on March 14, include an extensive fraud scheme that began in 2021. He was caught after a customer on his route reported a stolen U.S. Treasury check that had been deposited under his name.

Investigators revealed that Muchimba, sometimes with the help of a co-worker, forged and deposited checks from his mail route into seven bank accounts he controlled. Of the 98 stolen checks, 90 were U.S. Treasury checks, with values exceeding tens of thousands of dollars. Notably, one check he deposited amounted to $415,173.53, and he was seen on surveillance footage withdrawing funds wearing his USPS uniform.

Muchimba allegedly used the proceeds to finance a luxurious lifestyle, including expensive travel and lavish hotel stays. His expenditures included over $14,000 at Bvlgari Resort Bali and he paid his accomplice $1,000 to assist in his crimes. In September 2021, he applied to become a U.S. citizen, failing to disclose his ongoing criminal activities on the application, which he signed under penalty of perjury, and subsequently became a citizen in May 2022.

By the time he was naturalized, Muchimba had profited over $450,000 from his illicit activities. He was convicted on multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit theft of mail, bank fraud, and unlawful procurement of citizenship. Sentencing is scheduled for August 8.

Hachikosela Muchimba’s conviction highlights the severity of fraud and theft within the postal service. His actions, which involved stealing substantial amounts from the mail and misrepresenting himself during the citizenship application process, culminated in significant legal consequences. Muchimba faces sentencing on multiple charges, reflecting the extensive impact of his fraudulent activities.

Original Source: www.miamiherald.com