Postal Workers Stole Packages

Authorities have charged dozens of Southern California postal workers with mail theft, embezzlement and several other crimes after an investigation into criminal activity at the United States Postal Service.33 defendants were charged in 28 cases. One women possessed tens of thousands of pieces of mail, which she had hoarded over a number of years.The United States attorney’s office for the Central District of California issued the statement detailing the mail theft on Friday.Six of the 33 employees had warrants issued for their arrest.Several of the cases involve not only mail theft and embezzlement but also bank fraud, false statements and crimes by people other than USPS employees.

Postal Theft Has Increased in Recent Years

“The mail system plays an important role in our country’s commerce and social communication. Maintaining its integrity is vital,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker in a released statement.“Mail theft across Southern California has increased recently, which is significant since this type of crime tends to be a precursor to other crimes like identity theft and drug offenses. As a result, we are stepping up enforcement,” she added.Postal carrier Sherry Naomi Watanabe was found to have over 48,000 pieces of mail in her home. That mail should have been delivered on her normal route in Placentia.Nicole Elwood allegedly stole medications sent by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to veterans in need of their prescriptions. The medication could easily have been life-saving and never made it to its intended recipients.Other postal workers charged took video games from the video game rental service Gamefly, money orders from mail envelopes and 166 mobile phones from different parcels going through the Moreno Valley Delivery Distribution Center.The majority of the defendants were charged after indictments were returned by a Federal Grand Jury last week, said officials of the U.S. Attorney.