A Montgomery man has been sentenced to more than eight years in federal prison for orchestrating a mail and bank fraud scheme that resulted in over $1 million in losses, as well as for illegal firearm possession.
On August 20, 2025, Joseph Robert Milford, age 29, received a sentence of 105 months in prison. After his release, he will serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Court records show that between October 2021 and December 2023, Milford and others solicited stolen checks from the mail through messaging apps and social media. The group altered the checks by changing payee names and amounts before depositing them into various bank accounts. They then withdrew or converted the proceeds to debit cards. Investigators traced fraudulent transactions totaling just over $1 million.
In July 2023, officers from the Montgomery Police Department stopped Milford while he was driving and found three firearms in his vehicle. As a convicted felon, Milford is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Milford pleaded guilty on May 28, 2025 to one count of conspiracy to commit bank and mail fraud, five counts of bank fraud, five counts of mail fraud, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
“This sentence holds Joseph Milford accountable for a scheme that defrauded businesses and financial institutions of more than a million dollars, while also addressing his unlawful possession of firearms,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Davidson. “Fraud schemes like this not only cause financial harm but also erode trust in our banking and mail systems. Our office, together with our law enforcement partners, will continue to pursue and prosecute those who engage in this type of criminal conduct.”
“A primary component of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service mission is to ensure public trust in the mail,” said Shameka Jackson, Inspector-in-Charge of the Houston Division. “When individuals challenge that mission, Postal Inspectors will aggressively investigate and remain steadfast in our resolve to seek justice to the end.”
“Today’s sentencing sends a strong message to anyone who thinks mail theft and check fraud will go unpunished,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Ulrich of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. “Our special agents, along with our federal and local law enforcement partners, will aggressively investigate these federal crimes to protect the sanctity of the U.S. Mail and maintain the public’s trust.”
“These efforts signify what can be accomplished when we work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to combat violent crime,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Stankiewicz from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Nashville Field Division. “Through this collaboration, we were able to remove another firearm from the hands of a prohibited offender and habitual violator of the law.”
The case was investigated by several agencies including United States Postal Inspection Service; United States Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Montgomery Police Department; and Auburn Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Geer III prosecuted it.
