Live Oak man pleads guilty to stealing keys from postal carriers in Gainesville and Ocala

Press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Antrell Jermaine Hillard, 33, of Live Oak, 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.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said, “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. Protecting the safety of our postal carriers and the security of our mail delivery is of the utmost importance, and my office will ensure this defendant is swiftly delivered to federal prison for his crimes.”

Court documents reflect that between March 21, 2025, and March 29, 2025, the defendant conspired with others to steal Postal Service keys in Gainesville and Ocala. The defendant planned and participated in three separate incidents involving the theft of keys directly from United States Postal Service carriers while they were delivering mail. In one of the incidents, the defendant snatched a key that was still physically connected to the carrier’s belt, causing it to break from the carrier’s belt.

Hillard faces up to 5 years’ imprisonment for conspiracy, 10 years’ imprisonment for theft, and ten years’ imprisonment for robbery/assault.

The case involved a joint investigation by United States Postal Inspection Service, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Adam Hapner and James McCain.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 21, 2026, at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville before United States Chief District Judge Allen C. Winsor.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.