Leader of South Georgia Check‐Theft and Forgery Scheme Sentenced to Prison

ALBANY, Ga. - A Thomasville, Georgia, man who directed a $115,000 check theft and forgery scheme in the region has been sentenced to federal prison.

"Stealing checks and forging financial documents is not a victimless crime. These types of schemes siphon money from hardworking individuals and local businesses, causing real financial harm across our communities," said U.S. Attorney William R. "Will" Keyes. "Thanks to the outstanding work of our federal and local law enforcement partners, this conspiracy has been dismantled, and those responsible are being held accountable."

"The sentencings demonstrate the U.S. Postal Inspection Service's dedication to safeguarding the nation's mail system by partnering with our law enforcement partners to combat mail theft," said Rodney M. Hopkins, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. "Let this be a warning: if you abuse the U.S. Postal Service and exploit the public's trust for personal gain then you will be held accountable."

De'Andre Kenterrious L. McClarin, 28, of Thomasville, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release on October 28, after he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud on Dec. 30, 2025.

Danmon Jerone Wilkerson, 25, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to serve 27 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release on October 28, after he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud on March 19.

In addition, the defendants were ordered to pay a combined total of $115,936.05 restitution. Six other co-conspirators, with varying levels of involvement in the scheme, were charged federally, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and sentenced:

Kemareon Bryant, 28, of Thomasville, was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison and three years of supervised release on June 18.

Jerry Hayes, 54, of Thomasville, was sentenced to serve 12 months and one day in prison and three years of supervised release on Nov. 20, 2025.

Jaylen Filmore, 24, of Thomasville, was sentenced to serve one day in prison and three years of supervised release on May 28.

Jelan Hayes, 28, of Thomasville, was sentenced to serve one day in prison and three years of supervised release on September 3.

Angela Cookley, 25, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to time served and three years of supervised release on June 18.

Kembrick McClendon, 37, of Thomasville, was sentenced to time served and three years of supervised release on August 20.

Senior U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands presided over the case. There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents and statements made in court, investigators discovered that McClarin, beginning in January 2022, used a stolen postal key to break into USPS mail receptacles and collection boxes, stealing checks and check information. McClarin would edit the checks and even use a check printer to produce fraudulent checks. McClarin recruited people to participate in the fraud, often on Facebook, by sharing their own personal and bank information to enable him to deposit the stolen and forged checks into their bank accounts and withdraw the money. Wilkerson was one of these individuals who shared personal and bank information to participate in the scheme, including setting up an account at JP Morgan Chase Bank. Other financial institutions targeted in the scheme included Truist, Wells Fargo, TD Bank, Synovus, U.S. Bank, Prime Meridian, Bank of America, Capital City Bank, Centennial Bank, Peoples South Bank, Ameris, VyStar Credit Union, Navy Federal Credit Union, and TC Federal Credit Union. Agents ultimately determined that the McClarin-led conspiracy caused $115,936.05 in losses to the banks and credit unions.

The United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the Thomas County Sheriff's Office investigated the case, with valuable assistance from the Thomasville Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Couch prosecuted case for the Government with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Bryant and Criminal Chief Leah McEwen.