Postal Inspector Pleads Guilty to Stealing Thousands from Seniors

Scott Kelley, a former team leader at the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, has pleaded guilty to stealing cash from packages meant for victims of fraud. Between 2019 and 2023, Kelley accessed reports on packages linked to telemarketing scams. Instead of stopping the fraud, he routed these packages to himself and took the cash inside.

Over the course of four years, Kelley opened nearly 2,000 packages. His actions targeted vulnerable people, including retired veterans, a retired nurse, and a resident on disability benefits. The total amount stolen exceeded 340,000 dollars, which Kelley reportedly laundered and spent on personal expenses.

Kelley pleaded guilty to multiple federal charges, including wire fraud, mail theft, and filing false tax returns. A federal judge has scheduled his sentencing for November 2026. This case serves as a reminder to remain cautious when dealing with unsolicited lottery winnings or suspicious requests for cash payments.