Traffic Stop on Clinton Highway Leads to Seizure of Suspected Check-Related Mail; Multiple Victims Identified
Knoxville, Tenn. — On Sunday, October 5, 2025, at approximately 1:42 p.m., a Knox County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) patrol deputy conducted a traffic stop on a black Infiniti SUV traveling northbound on Clinton Highway.
Upon approaching the vehicle, deputies advised the occupants of an odor of marijuana coming from the car. The front-seat passenger, identified as Dontray Ligon, stated the vehicle belonged to him and granted permission for deputies to search.
During the search, deputies located two lunchboxes, each containing large quantities of suspected stolen check-related mail. The suspect was taken into custody without incident. The investigation was turned over to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office Property Crimes Unit.
Detectives have now identified multiple victims connected to the recovered mail. As of this release, the amount of stolen checks identified has increased to $972,051.63.
The suspect has been identified as Dontray Ligon, 28. Ligon stated that he is an employee of the U.S. Postal Service in Knoxville, where the mail is believed to have been stolen from. Ligon has now been charged with a Class A felony for theft of $250,000.00 or more and a Class A felony for mail theft of $250,000.00 or more. Detectives are presently working with the US Postal Inspectors. Additional charges may be forthcoming.
Anyone who believes they may be a victim or who has information related to this case is urged to contact the KCSO Property Crimes Detectives at 865-215-2243 or submit a tip to crimetips@knoxsheriff.org – tipsters can remain anonymous!
