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Mail Thief Caught Red-Handed in Albuquerque
In a shocking case of brazen theft, 36-year-old JoAnn Bell of Albuquerque, New Mexico, has pleaded guilty to stealing mail from U.S. Postal Service collection boxes using a ‘fishing’ device. The device was used to pull mail out of the boxes, leaving unsuspecting residents without their important documents and packages.
Bell’s arrest on September 19, 2016, was the result of a lengthy investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Officers found her asleep in a vehicle parked outside a post office, with the ‘fishing’ device and stolen mail in her lap.
According to court documents, Bell repeatedly stole mail from USPS collection boxes located outside U.S. Post Offices in Albuquerque. The thefts occurred on September 17 and 18, 2016, in Bernalillo County, New Mexico.
Bell was initially charged with theft of mail on a criminal complaint, but was later indicted on October 12, 2016, for stealing and receiving stolen mail. During a change of plea hearing, Bell admitted to using the ‘fishing’ device to pull mail from the collection boxes.
At sentencing, Bell faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Jon Ganjei.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is commended for their tireless efforts in bringing Bell to justice. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of mail safety and the consequences of stealing from others.
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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