Former USPS Worker Convicted of $1.6 Million Theft

Hachikosela Muchimba, a 44-year-old former U.S. Postal Service employee from Washington, D.C., has been convicted of stealing over $1.6 million in checks through a scheme involving mail theft and bank fraud. The federal jury found that Muchimba intercepted U.S. Treasury checks and private party checks, altering and depositing them into accounts he controlled between December 2020 and March 2023. He used the stolen funds to fund a lavish lifestyle, including international travel and stays at luxury hotels, such as the Bulgari Resort in Bali. In addition to mail theft and bank fraud, Muchimba was also convicted of unlawful procurement of naturalization after providing false information during his citizenship application. Sentencing is scheduled for August 8, with potential penalties exceeding 30 years in prison for his crimes. The case highlights serious issues related to trust and security within the postal service and the consequences of abusing such positions of responsibility.