U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced that Fortino Pilier, 28, from Buffalo, New York, has pleaded guilty to possessing a postal service key. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr., and the charge carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright stated that on October 23, 2024, Pilier was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by Erie County Sheriff’s deputies. During the stop, Pilier fled but was pursued and arrested by deputies. Upon his arrest, two United States Postal arrow keys were found in his possession. These keys can open authorized mail receptacles owned by the Postal Service. Pilier admitted his intention to use them unlawfully.
The investigation leading to this plea was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division under Inspector-in-Charge Ketty Larco-Ward’s direction.
Sentencing is set for November 14, 2025, before Judge Sinatra.
