- Overview
Accused: Scott Kelley, 51, of Pembroke, Massachusetts, a former U.S. Postal Inspector.
Role: Team Leader of the Mail Fraud Unit (2015–June 2022) and Mail Theft Unit (June 2022–Aug 2023).
- Nature of the Alleged Crimes
Scope of Theft: Allegedly stole over $330,000 intended as fraud reimbursements to elderly scam victims.
Method: Directed postal employees to intercept approximately 1,950 packages flagged as scam-related and sent them to himself.
Violation: Ignored protocol requiring sender consent and presence of a second inspector when opening packages.
Victim Profile: Seven identified victims, average age 75 (oldest 82), each having sent between $1,400 and $19,100. None recovered their money.
- Misuse of Funds & Money Laundering
Kelly allegedly laundered the stolen cash using:
Postal money orders disguised with relatives’ names,
More than 60 deposits across four bank accounts at two banks.
Reported expenditures included:
$20,500 for a pool patio,
$2,000 for pool heating,
$2,800 for a granite countertop at an outdoor bar,
Nearly $5,000 for pool/bar lighting,
$4,300 on drinks and expenses during three Caribbean cruises,
$15,400 paid for sexual services from two escorts, some visits occurring during work hours via burner phone contacts.
- Additional Allegations
Evidence Locker Theft: Used a subordinate’s access codes and key to steal $7,000 from an evidence locker; falsely blamed the subordinate in a memo, triggering an internal investigation.
- Legal Proceedings & Potential Penalties
Charges: 45-count federal indictment—including wire fraud, mail fraud, mail theft by a postal officer, theft of government money, money laundering, structuring to evade reporting requirements, and false tax returns.
Maximum Sentences:
Up to 20 years each for wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering,
Up to 5 years for mail theft and structuring charges,
Up to 10 years for theft of government money,
Up to 3 years for each false tax return,
Fines ranging from $250,000 to $500,000 depending on charge.
Court Status: Kelley pleaded not guilty, released on $25,000 bond; trial date TBD.
