For stealing over $750,000 in US Treasury checks from the mail, a former employee of the USPS in North Carolina was given a four-year sentence in federal prison.
Zerion Marcos Franklin, who worked at the postal processing annex in Fayetteville, was found guilty of stealing and falsifying checks, including Social Security disability payments, VA benefits, and federal tax returns.
When Fayetteville police stopped Franklin’s car in June 2024, they discovered his plot. Officers discovered a loaded 9mm handgun, marijuana packaged for sale, drug paraphernalia, and almost $22,000 in cash during the stop.
Additionally, they found 47 US Treasury cheques, all dated April–May 2023, payable to different people and organizations.
After more research, it was discovered that Franklin had stolen a tax refund check from an elderly victim, changed it to reflect his name as the payee, and cashed it at a Walmart in Fayetteville.
Franklin stole over $750,000 worth of Treasury checks, investigators found.
According to U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr., our American postal service is a public trust, with government officials obligated to put the interests of the public before their own. The majority of postal workers fulfill their oath by delivering billions of packages annually.
The one exception is this postal worker, who defrauded diligent American taxpayers by stealing three-quarters of a million dollars in US Treasury funds—including tax refunds—from the mail. The repercussions are obvious: stealing mail will land you in jail.
Kathleen Woodson, Special Agent in Charge of the US Postal Inspection Service, Office of the Inspector General (USPS-OIG), said, “We are grateful for the exceptional work done by our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice.”
The great majority of Postal Service workers are sincere, diligent individuals who would never violate the public’s confidence in this manner. If an employee makes a different decision, OIG Special Agents will launch a vigorous inquiry.
This case serves as an example of how we have successfully pursued and prosecuted Postal Service employees in cooperation with federal and state law enforcement partners and the US Attorney’s Office.
Franklin was given a 48-month prison term and three years of supervised release by US District Judge James C. Dever III. Additionally, he was mandated to reimburse the US Treasury in full.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.