‘I need those keys’: Chicago man gets 8-years for robbing postal worker while on electronic monitoring

A Chicago man named Henry Moorer has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison for robbing a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier of a master key while wearing an electronic monitoring bracelet. Moorer, 33, pleaded guilty to a federal robbery charge in October, and U.S. District Judge John Tharp Jr. imposed the sentence earlier this month, as reported by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago.

According to federal prosecutors, Moorer drove a Dodge Charger to the 700 block of South Claremont Avenue in Tri-Taylor on March 18, 2022, where he approached a postal carrier delivering mail. He initially offered to buy the worker’s arrow key, a universal U.S. Postal Service key used to access various mail receptacles. When the carrier declined to sell the key, Moorer walked away but returned shortly after, stating that he needed the keys.

Upon being questioned by the carrier if he was being robbed, Moorer allegedly displayed a black semiautomatic handgun and assured the carrier that he did not intend to harm them. He then took the arrow key from the carrier’s belt and fled the scene in his Dodge Charger.

Stolen arrow keys hold significant value on the black market as they can unlock multiple mailboxes simultaneously, allowing thieves to access sensitive financial information easily. Moorer’s criminal record includes past convictions for possession of cocaine, altering a credit card, escape from electronic monitoring, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, and cannabis possession.

Interestingly, Moorer was arrested in connection with two burglaries while on electronic monitoring, which ultimately led federal investigators to link him to the postal carrier robbery. In state court, he pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and both burglary charges. He is expected to be released on parole in January 2029, according to Illinois Department of Corrections records.

This case highlights the dangers posed by individuals like Moorer, who exploit opportunities to commit crimes despite being monitored electronically. The sentencing serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing repeat offenders and the need for stringent measures to prevent further criminal activities.