AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – An Augusta man was sentenced to 84 months in prison for using a United States Postal Service key to steal mail, commit bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Wednesday.
Earl Demetrius Overton, 32, received the sentence after pleading guilty to bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and possession of a firearm, according U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, Margaret Heap.
Overton was also ordered to pay a $2,000 fine, $300 in special assessments, and to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term.
According to court documents, Overton obtained a U.S. Postal Service key to steal mail from collection boxes, altered the business checks, deposited them into bank accounts and withdrew the money. Overton was reportedly found with a firearm, as well as stolen checks, cash, financial documents and debit cards.
“The sentencing of this defendant sends a clear message to anyone who decides to exploit the mail system for their own personal profit,” said Rodney M. Hopkins, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to work tirelessly to hold accountable those individuals who engage in fraudulent activity and demonstrate no regard for the financial impact that their crimes have on victims.”
“By using a U.S. Postal Service key to steal mail, forge checks, and commit identity theft, Overton jeopardized the safety and financial security of countless victims,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “This sentence serves as a reminder that the FBI will not tolerate criminal conduct, particularly when it involves someone in a position of trust defrauding individuals and institutions using stolen government property.”
Overton was among five people awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty in May 2025 to various crimes involving stolen mail, bank fraud and aggravated identity.
