Antrell Jermaine Hillard, 33, of Live Oak, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to steal postal keys, theft of postal keys, and postal robbery/assault. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, following an investigation into incidents in Gainesville and Ocala.
Court documents reveal that between March 21 and March 29, 2025, Hillard conspired with others and participated in three separate incidents involving the theft of keys directly from United States Postal Service carriers. In one instance, he snatched a key still connected to a carrier’s belt, causing it to break.
U.S. Attorney Heekin emphasized the severity of the crimes, saying, "This defendant wasn’t just stealing keys from postal carriers, he was attempting to steal from everyone who relies upon the U.S. Postal Service for mail delivery." He added that his office would ensure Hillard is "swiftly delivered to federal prison for his crimes."
Hillard faces up to 5 years’ imprisonment for conspiracy, 10 years’ imprisonment for theft, and 10 years’ imprisonment for robbery/assault. Sentencing is scheduled for July 21, 2026, in Gainesville before United States Chief District Judge Allen C. Winsor. The case was a joint investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is part of "Operation Take Back America."