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| -Lurid Crime Tales- |
| USPS employees accused of hoarding parcels, stealing veterans' medication |
| 2016-08-31 |
| [LATIMES] Federal authorities have charged dozens of Southern Caliphornia, an impregnable bastion of the Democratic Party, postal workers and their associates with mail theft, embezzlement and an array of other crimes as part of a sweeping investigation into criminal activity at the U.S. Postal Service. A total of 33 defendants were charged in 28 cases, including one individual who was found to have had tens of thousands of pieces of mail in her possession, according to a statement released Friday by the United States attorney’s office for the Central District of California. Arrest warrants were issued for six of the 33 defendants, officials said. In addition to mail theft and embezzlement by postal workers and contractors, some of the cases involve bank fraud and false statements; a few allege crimes by people who are not USPS employees. "The mail system plays an important role in our country's commerce and social communication. Maintaining its integrity is vital," United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker said in a 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." The alleged mail theft manifested itself in a variety of bizarre and disturbing forms, according to prosecutors. Postal carrier Sherry Naomi Watanabe, 48, was found to have more than 48,000 pieces of mail at her Sawtelle residence, the Justice Department said. That mail was supposed to have been delivered on her route in Placentia. In another case, Nicole Elwood, 45, was charged with mail theft for allegedly stealing medications sent by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to veterans. Justin Brewster, a 25-year-old USPS mail processing clerk, is accused of stealing video games that were mailed to or from the video game rental service Gamefly; Michael Smith, 43, allegedly took money orders from a mail envelope; and prosecutors say Jarol Garcia, 33, stole at least 166 mobile phones from parcels as they went through the Moreno Valley Delivery Distribution Center. |
| Posted by:Fred |
| #5 too bad union rules prevent them being fired |
| Posted by: Grins Snese4215 2016-08-31 20:44 |
| #4 I can understand a mail carrier pilfering 1 or 2 pieces without anyone noticing. But 48000? |
| Posted by: Rambler in Virginia 2016-08-31 14:17 |
| #3 Did the FBI vet those guys, too? |
| Posted by: Bobby 2016-08-31 13:18 |
| #2 If that's still true P2k I'm glad to hear it. Somehow, though, my skepticism is kicking in. |
| Posted by: AlanC 2016-08-31 11:10 |
| #1 Sounds like 33 job openings. Unless they changed the law or Obama issued an undisclosed Executive Order, only citizens need apply. Having dealt with the uniform side of mail distribution, the Post Office treats its mail handling like the services treat nukes. No sense of humor. |
| Posted by: Procopius2k 2016-08-31 08:38 |