
Frontier, ND scene after postal worker was robbed at gunpoint
FARGO (KFGO) – A 21-year-old man accused of holding a postman up at gunpoint and demanding the worker hand over a mail key or get shot has pleaded not guilty to federal charges.
Deshaun Holmes was arraigned Thursday morning. Earlier this week a grand jury indicted Holmes on four counts including robbery of U.S. mail, brandishing a firearm in the furtherance of a crime of violence, and theft of a postal service key. The gun charge carries with it a seven-year minimum sentence and a maximum life sentence.
Prosecutors said Holmes’ actions on July 17 were well-planned. They allege he removed his car’s license plates and put on a mask and gloves prior to holding up the U.S. Postal Service worker in the small town of Frontier. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Greenley said Holmes cornered the worker in a dead-end and demanded that he hand over a key. When the postal worker initially handed over the keys to his vehicle, Holmes asked the worker if he wanted to get shot before the worker understood Holmes to mean the arrow key which postal workers carry to get into various mail receptacles.
Investigators said they found numerous financial documents from many different individuals in Holmes’ Fargo apartment including blank checks and credit card information. They also found three drivers licenses in Holmes’ name and two handguns, including a Glock which they claim Holmes admitted to using during the hold-up in initial questioning. Holmes also reportedly initially told investigators that he took the key, which was also found in the apartment, and mail to advance his crimes in an ongoing financial scheme.
An October 3 trial is scheduled. Magistrate Judge Alice Senechal ordered Holmes be detained pending trial.
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