CAMDEN, NJ – A former Salem County man has admitted to his involvement in a scheme to steal checks from the mail and defraud banks, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced Friday.

Dezhon McCrae, 25, formerly of Penns Grove, pleaded guilty to multiple charges in Camden federal court, including conspiracy to commit bank fraud, possession of stolen mail and aggravated identity theft. McCrae’s plea alleges a series of schemes that defrauded banks and involved the theft of mailbox keys and other criminal acts, according to court documents.

From May 2018 to February 2020, McCrae participated in a “card cracking” conspiracy, using stolen checks to create counterfeit checks to be deposited at local banks. Authorities said McCrae’s role contributed to more than $10,000 in losses from a total fraud of more than $274,000 at several victim banks.

After being charged in the first scheme, McCrae was involved in a second similar fraud from May 2022 to July 2022, causing an additional $14,000 in losses. Police investigation later revealed additional criminal conduct, including possession of stolen mail and attempts to rob postal workers in New Jersey.