Buckeye Reporter

Three men from Lima, Ohio, have been sentenced to prison for robbing a postal worker during their official duties. U.S. District Court Judge James R. Knepp delivered the sentences.

The robbery took place on November 30, 2023, when a United States Postal Service letter carrier was on a delivery route in Lima. The perpetrators stole specially suited keys that unlock postal service bags and other authorized receptacles under threat of force and violence. This led to multiple instances of stolen U.S. mail.

Ahmir Curtis, aged 24, received a sentence of 24 months in prison after pleading guilty to charges including robbery of mail and theft of keys adopted by the post office. He will also serve three years of supervised release and pay $650 in restitution for damage to federal property.

Zenesto Martin Jr., aged 26, was sentenced to 30 months in prison with similar charges as Curtis and will also serve three years of supervised release.

Christian Proby, aged 26, received a sentence of 12 months and one day in prison after pleading guilty to related charges. He will serve two years of supervised release.

The investigation was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, and the Lima Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Frank H. Spryszak prosecuted the case for the Northern District of Ohio.

USPIS is responsible for investigating crimes against postal carriers and involving U.S. Mail. They encourage anyone with information about thefts or attempted thefts involving mail carriers or blue collection boxes to contact them at 1-877-876-2455. All reports are kept confidential.