Nearly $1M in Stolen Checks Found in Lunchboxes After Tennessee Traffic Stop
KNOXVILLE, Tennessee — A routine Sunday traffic stop in north Knoxville turned into a major mail-theft investigation after deputies discovered nearly $1 million in stolen checks hidden inside a pair of lunchboxes.
Deputy’s Stop Uncovers Massive Mail Theft Scheme
According to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO), the stop happened around 1:42 p.m. on October 5 along Clinton Highway when a patrol deputy noticed a black Infiniti SUV traveling northbound and pulled it over after detecting a strong odor of marijuana.
The vehicle’s passenger, Dontray Ligon, 28, allegedly told deputies the SUV belonged to him and granted permission for a search. During the inspection, officers found two lunchboxes filled with stolen checks and mail, believed to have been taken from multiple victims across the Knoxville area.
USPS Employee Among the Accused
Investigators say Ligon, who is employed by the U.S. Postal Service, is accused of stealing mail from the postal facility where he worked. The recovered items were traced to dozens of victims, with the total estimated loss topping $972,000, according to KCSO detectives.
The case has been referred to the Property Crimes Unit, which continues to work alongside federal postal inspectors. Authorities said additional charges could be filed as investigators identify more victims linked to the theft.
Felony Charges Filed
Ligon is facing multiple Class A felony charges, including:
- Theft of $250,000 or more
- Mail theft of $250,000 or more
He was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Knox County Detention Facility.
Investigation Ongoing
Officials are urging anyone who believes they may have been affected by the theft to contact KCSO Property Crimes Detectives at 865-215-2243 or email crimetips@knoxsheriff.org.
The sheriff’s office says the incident serves as a reminder of how routine patrol stops can uncover large-scale financial crimes.
For continuing updates on Tennessee investigations and major crime reports, visit NapervilleLocal.com.
Author: Harper Langley Category: Crime & Cultural Trends Reporter
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