FORT WORTH – Three men are facing time in federal prison after pleading guilty to stealing a U.S. Postal Service arrow key, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Leigha Simonton announced.
Jlynn Laneil Dunn (21), Daylin Darden (24), and D Colby Vashion Lewis (23) were charged via a criminal complaint in February.
They were subsequently indicted the following month.
On May 8, each pleaded guilty to the robbery of mail matter, money, or other property of the United States.
According to plea documents, the defendants confessed to robbing a letter carrier at gunpoint on October 2, 2023.
The victim, identified as T.W., reported to authorities that the assailants demanded a U.S. Postal Service master key used by letter carriers to access mail deposited in blue collection boxes.
Unauthorized possession of these keys allows criminals to gain access to mailboxes, enabling the theft of mail, checks, credit cards, bank account information, and other sensitive materials.
The defendants were captured on surveillance footage committing the robbery and escape.
During a search of an address linked to one of the defendants, law enforcement discovered firearms, narcotics, mail, checks, and a DVR system.
Footage from the DVR showed all three individuals gathering at the residence before the robbery on October 2.
Additionally, the video footage also showed Darden leaving the residence with a gun matching the one used during the robbery.
The DVR also captured their return to the residence following the robbery, with Dunn holding an item attached to a long gold chain—similar to the chains used to carry USPS arrow keys.
Authorities investigated Dunn’s Instagram account and found a direct message sent by him approximately 10 to 12 minutes before the robbery.
The message stated, “I’m tryna go get us a key rn so I can get these real scam Money.”
The defendants face potential sentences of up to 10 years in federal prison.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 3.
Joshua Carter