Philadelphia man charged with impersonating post worker, mail theft, also found with stolen ballots

The defendant was found to be in possession of three "Arrow Keys" as well as approximately 15 mail-in ballots that he had stolen, officials said.

By Madeleine Hubbard

Published: December 12, 2022 8:25am

Updated: December 12, 2022 8:58am

A Philadelphia man who was charged with impersonating a postal worker and mail theft was also found to be in possession of over a dozen stolen mail-in ballots, officials says.

While pretending to be a USPS Mail Carrier, Zachkey James, 27, stole undelivered mail from a collection box near the Kingsessing Post Office, in Pennsylvania, in July, the Justice Department said last week.

In October, James stole more undelivered mail, this time near the East Germantown Post Office in Philadelphia, officials said.

In November, James was found to be in possession of three "Arrow Keys," universal keys used by postal workers to access mailboxes, as well as approximately 15 mail-in ballots that he had stolen, according to prosecutors.

Announcing charges against James, U.S. Attorney Jacqueline Romero said: "In recent months, there has been a rise in crimes, including mail theft, check washing and robberies of postal carriers."

If convicted, James faces up to 31 years in prison and a $1.5 million fine.