A Brooklyn, New York man has admitted guilt in a federal identity theft case related to a scheme involving fraudulent purchases from the U.S. Postal Service. According to an announcement by David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division, Ezekiel Bailey, 33, pleaded guilty in New Haven federal court after waiving his right to be indicted.
Court documents and statements presented in court show that the U.S. Postal Inspection Service began investigating after receiving reports of an individual using bad checks to buy large amounts of postage stamps at post offices in Connecticut and neighboring states. The investigation determined that Bailey used stolen identities from three victims along with fake driver’s licenses and checks tied to empty bank accounts opened in those names. This allowed him to purchase approximately $98,000 worth of stamps from post offices across Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Massachusetts, and other locations.
Bailey was arrested on January 20, 2023 on related state charges when he tried to buy 25 books of postage stamps for $300 at a Stonington post office. At the time of his arrest, he had two fake driver’s licenses bearing the names of identity theft victims. He was charged federally on November 26, 2024.
Bailey entered a guilty plea to aggravated identity theft. This charge carries a mandatory prison sentence of two years. Sentencing is scheduled for December 9.
He is currently released on a $25,000 bond while awaiting sentencing.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service led the investigation into this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel George is prosecuting the case.
“This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel George.”
