Full Breakdown
Houston Postal Carriers Charged in Multi-Million-Dollar Check-Theft Scheme
8/25/2026, 2:10:34 AM
The Alleged Scheme
Federal prosecutors allege a five-person ring recruited three U.S. Postal Service carriers in Houston to steal checks and resell them through an encrypted Telegram channel called “slipsandchips.” The indictment, filed in the Southern District of Texas in August 2026, says the conspirators generated roughly $23,973,338.15 in proceeds from October 2022 through the filing date. Stolen checks were shipped to buyers via FedEx after purchase on Telegram.
Key Figures
- Tryston Tremaine Vaughn – alleged organizer who coordinated sales.
- Alyssa Nadine Bryant – accused of purchasing stolen checks and posting them for sale.
- Catherine Clauzelle Kilpatrick – USPS carrier charged with stealing a $9,858.01 Chase check (Oct 2023).
- Drakkor Jamar Alexander – USPS carrier charged with stealing a $16,636.54 Amegy check (Mar 2024).
- Malcolm Tiree Joubert – USPS carrier charged with stealing a $1,517,875.27 BMO check (May 2024).
Timeline
- Oct 2022 – Conspiracy began.
- Oct 2023 – Kilpatrick steals Chase check.
- Mar 2024 – Alexander steals Amegy check.
- May 2024 – Joubert steals BMO check.
- Apr 2024 – Vaughn mailed a $79,894.60 Citibank check to a buyer.
- Sep 2024 – Vaughn and Bryant mailed a $25,007.25 Stellar Bank check.
- Aug 2026 – Grand jury indictment filed, charging all five defendants with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and, for the carriers, theft-of-mail charges.
Data & Statistics
- Total alleged proceeds: $23,973,338.15.
- Largest single check: $1,517,875.27.
- Check values: $9,858.01 to over $1.5 million.
- Banks targeted: Chase, Amegy, Citibank, BMO, Stellar.
Official Statements & Responses
The indictment lists conspiracy and bank-fraud counts for all defendants, with the carriers also facing theft-of-mail charges. The government will seek forfeiture of property and a monetary judgment if convicted.
Community Reaction
Local residents expressed alarm about the breach of mail security.
- “I feel like that definitely wasn't right.” — Suraj Bose
- “They were probably pretty good at it.” — Lila Molina
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Total amount stolen: Media cite “more than $23 million,” while the indictment specifies $23,973,338.15.
- Sale prices: The indictment notes checks were sold “for undisclosed amounts,” leaving the final buyer payments undocumented.
What's Next
The defendants remain presumed innocent pending trial. Prosecutors will pursue asset forfeiture and a monetary judgment upon conviction. No trial date has been announced; the case will proceed in the Southern District of Texas.
