STARKE, Florida – A couple from Starke, Florida caught with stolen mail from multiple counties has been sentenced to federal prison for mail theft. Connor Lee Austin, 31, received a sentence of 18 months in federal prison, which will run consecutively to his current three-year sentence in Florida State Prison for other charges including grand theft and burglary. Austin’s co-defendant, Maranda Ann Stewart, 26, was sentenced to six months in federal prison for her involvement in the mail theft. Both defendants have been ordered to pay restitution to the victims.

The case dates back to late April 2022 when the Clay County Sheriff’s Office began receiving reports of stolen mail in the Keystone Heights area. Surveillance footage from homes in the area revealed a truck with two individuals inside stealing mail from mailboxes. Law enforcement later identified the driver as Stewart and the passenger as Austin.

On May 6, 2022, the Baker County Sheriff’s Office arrested Austin and Stewart for their connection to a fraudulent check. During the arrest, more than 100 stolen pieces of mail from various addresses in Clay County were found in their truck. The investigation conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service – Jacksonville Office and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office discovered that Austin and Stewart attempted to deposit stolen checks into their bank accounts through mobile deposit using Austin’s phone. They also forged signatures on stolen checks to cash them.

The stolen mail recovered by law enforcement belonged to victims from Baker, Bradford, Clay, Duval, and Putnam counties. The sentencing of Austin and Stewart to federal prison for mail theft reflects the seriousness of their crimes and aims to deter future incidents of this nature.

To protect the victims and restore their trust in the mail system, it is crucial for law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant in combating mail theft. The collaboration between local and federal authorities in this case highlights the commitment to bringing justice for victims and holding criminals accountable for their actions.

In conclusion, Connor Lee Austin and Maranda Ann Stewart, both from Starke, Florida, have received federal prison sentences for stealing mail from multiple counties. Their attempt to deposit stolen checks and forge signatures on stolen mail demonstrates a deliberate and systematic criminal operation. The recovery of the stolen mail from various counties underscores the extent of their illegal activities. By imposing prison sentences and ordering restitution, the judicial system aims to send a strong message against mail theft.