Driver charged with theft of mail and official postal keys

HOUSTON, TX -- A 23-year-old resident of Missouri City is set to appear in court on allegations he used his hoodless Buick to steal postal mail and keys, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Brandon Brantley was taken into custody today. He is set for his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Yvonne Y. Ho at 2 p.m. Aug. 3.

The charges allege that on July 12, a hoodless gold Buick was used to steal postal keys from a U.S. Postal Service employee. The investigation soon allegedly revealed the same vehicle and driver was believed to steal mail on June 18.

According to the criminal complaint, law enforcement identified the driver as Brantley. Upon executing a search at his Missouri city home, authorities allegedly found items linking him to both crimes.

If convicted, Brantley faces up to 10 years for stealing the postal keys and a maximum of five years for mail theft.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation with the assistance of police departments in Missouri City and Houston. Assistant U.S. Attorney Celia Moyer prosecuted the case.

A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.