Scott Kelley, a former Boston-based U.S. Postal Inspector who led the Mail Fraud Unit, has agreed to plead guilty to 44 federal counts after prosecutors say he stole more than $330,000 from nearly 1,950 parcels flagged as likely scam payments. Authorities allege he opened parcels, converted about $160,000 into postal money orders, and deposited over $130,000 in structured cash deposits to hide the theft. His change-of-plea hearing is set for July 29, 2026. Officials urge families to verify prize claims and preserve mailing records if cash was sent.
Ex-Postal Inspector To Plead Guilty After Allegedly Stealing $330,000 From Scam Victims' Mail
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Scott Kelley, a former U.S. Postal Inspector who led the Mail Fraud Unit in Boston, has agreed to plead guilty to federal charges after prosecutors say he diverted and stole more than $330,000 from parcels that had been flagged as likely containing scam payments sent by older victims.
What Prosecutors Allege
According to the indictment, between January 2019 and August 11, 2023, Kelley allegedly redirected roughly 1,950 intercepted parcels to himself, opened packages that appeared to contain cash, and kept the money instead of returning it to the senders. The indictment names seven identified victims (average age 75, oldest 82) who had already been persuaded by outside scammers to mail between $1,400 and $19,100. Prosecutors say none of the seven recovered the cash.
How the Money Was Concealed and Spent
Prosecutors allege Kelley converted nearly $160,000 into postal money orders—often listing relatives as purchasers—and deposited more than $130,000 in cash across multiple bank accounts on more than 60 dates, a practice alleged to have been used to avoid scrutiny. Authorities traced personal spending that included home and pool improvements, Caribbean cruises, and payments to escorts.
Charges, Plea Agreement, And Court Date
Kelley has agreed to plead guilty to 44 federal counts: 5 counts of wire fraud, 5 counts of mail fraud, 5 counts of mail theft by a postal officer, 23 counts of money laundering, 1 count of structuring, and 5 counts of filing false tax returns. Those counts represent all but one charge in the original indictment; the plea agreement does not resolve a separate theft-of-government-money charge alleging Kelley took $7,000 from an evidence locker.
Image Credit: Jarretera / Shutterstock.
The change-of-plea hearing is scheduled for 1 p.m. on July 29, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Allison D. Burroughs. Wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering each carry maximum statutory penalties of up to 20 years per count, though Kelley’s eventual sentence will be set under federal sentencing law and guidelines.
Impact On Victims And Safety Advice
Federal officials stressed that the people whose parcels were intercepted were victims of lottery and sweepstakes scams who had been instructed by outside fraudsters to mail cash. The Federal Trade Commission warns that a legitimate prize never requires upfront payment; requests for cash, gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or mailed payments are common signs of fraud.
Advice for families and caregivers: if an older relative claims they must mail cash for taxes, customs fees, processing costs, insurance, or prize delivery, do not let them mail the package until the claim is independently verified. If cash has already been mailed, preserve the tracking number, mailing receipt, destination address, phone numbers, letters, emails, texts, and all instructions provided by the purported prize representative.
Where To Report Or Get Help
Mail fraud can be reported to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Call 1-877-876-2455 or visit the Postal Inspection Service website. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts asks anyone who believes they may be a victim in this case to contact victim-assistance staff at [email protected].
Image Credit: Jarretera / Shutterstock (original reporting included an image).
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