
Two men are facing serious federal charges after a January 8th incident in a Chicago suburb, where a U.S. Postal Service carrier was robbed at gunpoint and shots were fired at federal agents, according to official statements. Ahmel Holmes, an 18-year-old from Kankakee, Illinois, was identified as the individual who allegedly held up the mail carrier in Harvey while performing her duties. Holmes is alleged to have brandished a gun with a drum magazine to coerce the postal worker into surrendering personal possessions and a tub of mail from her vehicle.
The situation escalated when Postal Inspectors, during their canvass of the area, encountered three individuals in proximity to an alley. Jesus Santillan, a 19-year-old from Harvey, is accused of discharging a firearm at these agents. Though no injuries were reported following the incident, the charges laid against Santillan include using a weapon to assault the inspectors and hinder their official functions. The agents captured Santillan in a nearby residence, a location that also served as the hiding place for Holmes who was arrested at the scene.
Holmes now faces an armed robbery charge, which shoulders a penalty of up to 25 years in prison if convicted. The charge against Santillan carries a potential 20-year sentence for his alleged actions during the altercation with the federal officers. Holmes had a detention hearing scheduled for Tuesday, while Santillan waived his right to a detention review and remains in custody, as detailed in the federal complaint.
The announcement of the charges was made jointly by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Ruth Mendonça, Inspector-in-Charge of the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Initial proceedings are being managed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Maione, and the Harvey Police Department has been cited for their valuable support in the case. However, it is crucial to note that the charges filed are merely accusations and both men are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.