KC Reporter

A Springfield, Missouri man has admitted guilt in a federal court to charges of burglarizing a local post office and stealing mail. Zachary M. Walker, 38, entered his plea before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Willie Epps, Jr., acknowledging one count each of burglary of a post office building and theft of mail matter.

Walker, who previously worked for the United States Postal Service, exploited his familiarity with the building's security to unlawfully enter the facility. He then stole mail items and sold them online.

The plea agreement revealed that Walker was captured on video by hidden cameras inside the post office. His prior employment at the facility provided him with knowledge of authorization codes that he used to bypass security measures. While inside, Walker sifted through letters and other mail items, taking those he could sell.

Federal law allows for a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison without parole for these offenses. However, the actual sentence will be determined by the court after considering advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will follow the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney is prosecuting this case, which was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Springfield Police Department.