U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced that Fortino Pilier, a 28-year-old resident of Buffalo, NY, has pleaded guilty to possessing a postal service key illegally. The plea was made before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr., and it could lead to a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright explained the circumstances leading to Pilier’s arrest on October 23, 2024. Pilier was stopped by Erie County Sheriff’s deputies during a traffic stop while he was a passenger in a vehicle. He fled from the vehicle but was pursued and arrested by the deputies. A search revealed two United States Postal arrow keys in his possession, which are used to open authorized mail receptacles owned by the Postal Service. Pilier admitted intending to use these keys for unlawful access to mail receptacles.
The investigation into this case was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, led by Inspector-in-Charge Ketty Larco-Ward.
Pilier is scheduled for sentencing on November 14, 2025, before Judge Sinatra.
