USPS mail theft by a single employee cost customers hundreds of thousands of dollars in Southern California.
USPS mail theft was caused by check fraud
A supervisor at the Costa Mesa Post Office in California was taken into custody last week for allegedly stealing over $281,000 through check fraud that was committed on the job.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, Joivian Tjuana Hayes, 36, reportedly pocketed more than 20 checks, including one worth over $114,000, and deposited them into her personal bank account.
Authorities claim Hayes forged signatures on the stolen checks and was caught up when surveillance footage allegedly captured her using ATMs in Costa Mesa, Compton, and Fountain Valley to deposit them.
Investigators revealed that that Hayes poorly planned and executed mail fraud started in July 2024.
Employee caught up in USPS mail theft
The USPS supervisor is also accused of stealing significant amounts of cash and even gold coins from mail processed at the Costa Mesa facility, the attorney’s office disclosed.
On Thursday of last week, federal agents conducted a search of Hayes’ residence in Compton and her 2023 BMW vehicle as part of the ongoing investigation.
If convicted on the charge of bank fraud, Hayes could face up to 30 years in federal prison, officials stated.
Meanwhile, in Florida, a FedEx contract delivery driver from Alabama found himself behind bars after numerous undelivered packages were discovered discarded during the holiday season.
Reports from multiple outlets stated that the investigation kicked off following complaints from the Bonifay post office about FedEx packages being dumped in wooded areas and along roadsides.
The Holmes County Sheriff’s Office stepped in, contacting FedEx to identify the driver responsible for delivering the vanished parcels. Their inquiries led them to Latavion Lewis, a contract worker.
FedEx driver ditches Christmas deliveries
According to a press release from the sheriff’s office dated Saturday, Dec. 21, deputies reached out to Lewis, who reportedly admitted during a meeting that he abandoned the packages at multiple locations because it was late and he didn’t want to return them to the FedEx warehouse.
Lewis is currently facing charges of organized scheme to defraud, grand theft, and illegal dumping, and is being held in the Holmes County Jail as of Monday, Dec. 23, as reported by Al.com.
Though the authorities have not disclosed the total count of missing packages, the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that 44 parcels have been recovered by officials.
All recovered items were transferred to the Bonifay post office, which made sure they reached their rightful recipients.
FedEx responded with a statement reaffirming their zero-tolerance policy for workers improperly handling their deliveries.
“This incident is completely unacceptable as the safe and secure transport of our customers’ shipments is our top priority, and we are fully cooperating with authorities in their investigation.”
In addition to being charged with criminal offenses, the individual involved is no longer providing service for our company,” they added.
FedEx also reassured customers they are working to ensure all packages are delivered as intended. Anyone with concerns is encouraged to visit their website or contact 1.800.GoFedEx for assistance.
Amazon driver assaulted while delivering packages
A 37-year-old man in Florida, Dana Hilliker, was arrested in November for allegedly attacking an Amazon driver mid-delivery, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. The accusations include burglary with assault or battery.
Hilliker reportedly hopped onto the delivery van and scratched the driver in a fit of rage, which stemmed from the driver’s “reckless” speed through the neighborhood while Hilliker was riding his motorcycle with his son.
“Hilliker stated he waved his hands and yelled at him to ‘slow down,’” an affidavit obtained by local outlet WKMG revealed.
But apparently, this didn’t stop the driver from continuing to deliver a package to the backside of the property, only escalating the situation further.
Hilliker allegedly stepped in front of the vehicle and began flailing his arms, blocking its path. When the Amazon employee still didn’t stop, authorities say Hilliker launched himself at the delivery van, grabbing the driver’s door, and then the driver’s shirt, before scratching the man’s arms and legs.
The report details, “The driver said he had to punch Hilliker multiple times to free himself.”
But Hilliker had his own version of events. He claimed the van hit him first, which led to him clinging to the vehicle’s mirror, only for the driver to strike him “multiple times in the face and arms” to force him off.
“Hilliker stated he continued to hold onto the vehicle and used one of his arms to block the strikes,” read the affidavit.
Deputies say photos taken by Hilliker’s wife paint a different picture, showing his arms actually inside the vehicle and nowhere near the mirror.
Hilliker was taken into custody and, according to court documents, quickly posted bond following his arrest.
