As part of national efforts to combat fraud targeting critical institutions, the final sentencing has been handed down in a sweeping multi-state conspiracy involving stolen checks, fake bank accounts, and the misuse of the U.S. mail system. The case, which began with the investigation of two postal workers in the Montgomery area, resulted in convictions and prison sentences for eight individuals who took part in a wide-ranging wire, bank, and mail fraud scheme.

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Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced that on May 6, Hunter Hudson Jr., also known as “Hunnid K,” was sentenced to 92 months in prison. The 25-year-old Montgomery resident pleaded guilty to multiple fraud charges and was identified as a manager in the conspiracy. Prosecutors stated Hudson was responsible for an intended loss of more than $1.5 million. He was also ordered to pay $987,883.50 in restitution and forfeit $91,020.41.

The fraud scheme operated between 2022 and 2024, centering around stolen and altered checks that were deposited into fraudulent bank accounts. A group chat labeled “Fraud Academy” helped coordinate the conspiracy, with multiple participants acting as ringleaders.

Previously sentenced co-conspirators include:

• Brandon Michael Gage, 27, of Montgomery — 135 months in prison, $25,000 fine, $65,000 restitution. Identified as a manager in the scheme with an intended loss of over $550,000.
• Joey Payne, 26, of Opelika — 108 months in prison, $15,000 fine, $101,556.97 restitution. Also, a manager with a similar loss amount.
• Reuben Kristian Brown, 26, of Montgomery — 87 months in prison, $15,000 fine, $17,500 restitution. Another scheme manager. Brown was linked to over $1.5 million in losses.
• Keenan Rashaad Watson, 26, of Montgomery — 60 months in prison, $15,000 fine. Identified as a manager with over $550,000 in intended losses.
• Kerry O’Shay Hawthorne, 26, of Montgomery — 40 months in prison, $49,008.95 restitution.
• Ethan Alexander Brown, 23, a former bank teller from Montgomery — 34 months in prison, $973,692.05 restitution. Personally involved in depositing 61 altered checks valued at over $2 million.
• Destinie Janan James, 23, of Auburn — 22 months in prison, $25,000 fine, $89,000 restitution.

Although all defendants from the original indictment have now been sentenced, officials confirmed that the broader investigation remains ongoing.

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“This case demonstrates the serious consequences for those who exploit public institutions and financial systems for personal gain,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin Davidson. “Thanks to the dedication of our law enforcement partners, we were able to dismantle a complex criminal network and hold each participant accountable. We remain committed to pursuing those who defraud the public and threaten the integrity of our postal and banking systems.”

“These convictions are a testament to the dedication of the investigative and legal teams and should send a strong message to any employee who thinks of conspiring with others to steal mail and commit check fraud,” added Tammy Hull, Inspector General of the U.S. Postal Service. “Our special agents, working with our federal and local law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively investigate these criminal activities, protecting the integrity of the Postal Service and the U.S. Mail.”

Timothy J. O’Malley, Acting Special Agent in Charge with the FBI, emphasized the broader risk to public trust.

“Any attempt to exploit our postal or banking systems is a serious violation of the public’s trust,” said O’Malley. “These actions will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Protecting the integrity of our postal and financial systems is essential and non-negotiable.”

Shameka Jackson is Acting Inspector-in-Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Houston Division.

“The sentencing in this case should serve notice to criminals that the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is dedicated to defending the nation’s mail system from unlawful activity<” she stated. “I fully commend the hard work and countless hours put forth by all of the law enforcement agencies involved, which resulted in bringing Hunter Hudson, Jr. and the other co-defendants to justice.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Patrick Lamb and investigated by a coalition of federal agencies, including the U.S. Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General, the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the FDIC Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.

Additional support was provided by numerous local and state agencies across Alabama, Georgia, and Florida.

Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].