PEMBROKE, Mass. (WWLP) – A former Massachusetts U.S. Postal Inspector was arrested and charged for allegedly stealing over $330,000 from packages mailed by elderly victims.
In a news release by the Department of Justice, 51-year-old Scott Kelley of Pembroke is accused of using the stolen cash to fund personal expenses, including a pool patio, Caribbean cruises, and escorts. He faces a 45-count indictment, including charges of wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering.
- Wire fraud (5 counts)
- Mail fraud (5 counts)
- Mail theft by a postal officer (5 counts)
- Theft of government money
- Money laundering (23 counts)
- Structuring to evade reporting requirements
- Filing false tax returns (5 counts)
Kelley was the Team Leader of the Mail Fraud Unit from 2015 until June 2022. The indictment alleges that Kelley intercepted approximately 1,950 packages flagged by a U.S. Postal Inspection Service algorithm as likely sent by scam victims. He reportedly opened parcels that appeared to contain cash and stole the money.
Victims, with an average age of 75, were persuaded by scammers to mail cash for supposed fees or taxes related to fake lottery winnings. Kelley allegedly met one victim in person, denying knowledge of their package’s fate…