Updated Aug. 26, 2026: FreightWaves added new details from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas.
Federal prosecutors accuse three Houston U.S. Postal Service carriers of stealing checks worth nearly $24 million. A federal grand jury charged five people in the Southern District of Texas on Aug. 19. The indictment describes a scheme involving $23,973,338.15 in stolen checks. Prosecutors say the group offered those instruments through Telegram and used FedEx for deliveries.
The court filing names Tryston Tremaine Vaughn, Catherine Clauzelle Kilpatrick, Drakkor Jamar Alexander, Malcolm Tiree Joubert and Alyssa Nadine Bryant. Kilpatrick, Alexander and Joubert worked as Postal Service carriers, according to the indictment. Vaughn and Bryant allegedly purchased stolen checks from the employees. The group then marketed them through a Telegram channel called “slipsandchips.”
Checks moved from mail routes to online buyers
Federal prosecutors claim Vaughn recruited the carriers to remove checks from Houston delivery routes. The alleged conspiracy began around October 2022 and continued through September 2024. Court records state that participants shipped checks to buyers across the country through FedEx. The filing does not identify the buyers or unnamed co-conspirators.
One count centers on a check worth $1,517,875.27. Prosecutors accuse Joubert of taking that BMO Bank check from the mail during May 2024. The indictment also lists smaller checks tied to Chase, Amegy Bank, Citibank and Stellar Bank. It does not state how much buyers paid for the stolen instruments.
A grand jury returned nine counts against the five defendants. All face charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud. Kilpatrick, Alexander and Joubert also face charges for theft of mail matter by a postal employee. An indictment contains accusations, and each defendant remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Federal filing details alleged roles
FBI agents worked alongside the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General and Postal Inspection Service. Treasury OIG and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration also assisted. Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office and police departments in Houston and Stafford joined the investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas told FreightWaves that Vaughn remains the only defendant in custody.
Reitz said, “USPS carriers took an oath to protect and faithfully deliver the mail.” He called the allegations a “suspected calculated betrayal of public trust.” Federal prosecutors have not accused FedEx of wrongdoing. Officials declined to release further photographs or case materials.
Why it matters
Freight and parcel professionals face growing risks when criminals use legitimate transportation networks to move fraud-related materials. This case shows how insider access, online sales channels and shipment services can work together.
Click here for more articles on cargo theft and freight fraud by Phil Brink.
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