WASHINGTON — A former U.S. Postal Service worker in D.C. has been convicted of stealing nearly $1.7 million in checks from the mail. Hachikosela Muchimba, 44, was convicted by a federal jury on multiple charges, including mail theft and bank fraud. The scheme lasted for over two years, from Dec. 2020 to March 2023, and investigators say he used the stolen checks to fund a lavish lifestyle.
The charges against Muchimba include conspiracy to commit theft of mail, bank fraud, and unlawful procurement of citizenship. The jury found that Muchimba had altered and falsely endorsed U.S. Treasury checks and private checks, replacing the rightful payees’ names with his own. Once he made these changes, he deposited the stolen checks into bank accounts that he controlled.
Federal investigators discovered Muchimba’s scheme after an investigation was launched in 2023 into mail thefts at the Friendship Post Office on Wisconsin Avenue, where he had ben stationed. According to charging documents, a customer reported a U.S. Treasury check was stolen and deposited in another person’s account. Investigators say the $14,304 check was altered to contain Muchimba’s name and address and fraudulently signed over to “Double Blue Investments.” It was then deposited in a TD Bank account opened by Muchimba. According to charging documents, the mail customer recognized Muchimba’s name and address on the deposited check as the same Muchimba had used on a holiday card.
Investigators said they determined Muchimba had deposited more than $122,000 into the TD Bank account via stolen Treasury checks, as well as more than $400,000 into another account opened at Sandy Spring Bank. Ultimately, according to charging documents, investigators linked Muchimba to 98 stolen checks deposited into seven different bank accounts with a total value of nearly $1.7 million..
Muchimba used the stolen funds for personal luxury, including international travel, stays at high-end hotels, and expenses at gentlemen’s clubs. His fraudulent activities also led to charges of lying during his application for U.S. citizenship. Muchimba falsely claimed he had never been arrested for any crimes, despite his involvement in illegal activities.
Federal authorities arrested Muchimba at Dulles International Airport in September 2023 just as he was about to board a flight to the African nation of Zambia. Muchimba, who had booked the flight using a credit card belonging to another person, was arrested carrying $2,000 in cash and a newly issued Zambian passport.
The maximum penalty for the charges of bank fraud and mail theft could lead to decades in prison. Muchimba faces up to 30 years for the bank fraud charge, and up to five years for mail theft. In addition, he faces up to 10 years for the unlawful procurement of naturalization. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 8, 2025, where a judge will determine his final sentence based on various factors.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service-Office of the Inspector General, the Department of Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and Homeland Security Investigations.