Former U.S. Postal Service mail carrier Tracy Rumley of El Cajon has been sentenced to five years of probation and 200 hours of community service for stealing mail from customers in the Santee area of San Diego. This sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Janis L. Sammartino, who made it clear that stealing mail is not acceptable and will not go unpunished. The investigation began when an off-duty San Diego Police detective witnessed Rumley opening a communal mailbox and removing multiple pieces of mail. Upon further investigation, authorities discovered over 1,500 stolen pieces of mail at Rumley’s residence, including gift cards, credit cards, and even Christmas presents that had been taken from nearly 900 customers along her mail delivery route. This case highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of our mail delivery system and seeking justice for the victims of such crimes.
Former U.S. Postal Service Mail Carrier Sentenced for Stealing Mail
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Background
In a recent case that has raised concerns about mail integrity, former U.S. Postal Service mail carrier Tracy Rumley has been sentenced for stealing mail from customers in Santee, a neighborhood in San Diego. This article will provide a comprehensive account of the incident, the arrest, the search warrant, the admission of guilt, victim impact statements, and a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Additionally, it will acknowledge the work done by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and the Postal Service Inspector General. Finally, it will highlight the U.S. Postal Service’s commitment to protecting the integrity of mail delivery.
Incident and Arrest
On the evening of November 21, 2022, an off-duty San Diego Police detective witnessed a woman, later identified as Tracy Rumley, opening a communal mailbox at his apartment complex in Santee. The detective saw her take multiple pieces of mail and decided to approach her. As he got closer, the woman quickly closed the mailbox and fled in a white Nissan. The detective managed to note down the license plate number of the vehicle.
Upon further investigation, the detective discovered that Rumley lived at the same address listed on the vehicle’s registration. He promptly reported the incident to the U.S. Postal Service, raising suspicions about Rumley’s activities.
Search Warrant and Discovery of Stolen Mail
Following the detective’s report, United States Postal Service Inspectors obtained a search warrant for Rumley’s residence. On December 21, 2022, during the execution of the search warrant, Inspectors found over 1,500 pieces of stolen mail in Rumley’s home. Among the stolen items were gift cards, credit cards, and even Christmas presents, all belonging to nearly 900 customers along Rumley’s mail delivery route in Santee.
Inspectors also uncovered the keys that Rumley had been given as a mail carrier to access mailboxes. Surprisingly, she had hidden these keys in a potted plant within her bedroom. It was revealed later that Rumley had continued to use these keys for stealing mail even after being placed on administrative leave and terminated from her position.
Admission of Guilt
In her plea agreement, Rumley admitted to the charges brought against her. She confessed to stealing mail from customers even after being placed on administrative leave and keeping the keys for unauthorized access to mailboxes. Rumley’s admission of guilt further solidified the evidence against her.
Victim Impact Statements
Several victims of Rumley’s crimes provided statements highlighting the impact of her actions. The victims expressed a profound sense of betrayal, as their trusted mail carrier had stolen from them. One victim, a child, shared feelings of shock, stating, “I felt shocked because I got robbed by the mail lady.” Another adult victim expressed their disappointment, saying, “She played us for idiots.” These statements demonstrate the emotional toll that the theft of mail can have on individuals and families.
Statement from U.S. Attorney’s Office
Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Haden emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the mail delivery system. He acknowledged the trust that customers place in the U.S. Postal Service to ensure that their letters and packages reach their intended destinations. Haden assured the public that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to pursuing justice for the victims and holding accountable those who disrupt the mail delivery system.
Acknowledgment of Work by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and Postal Service Inspector General
The U.S. Attorney’s Office extended its gratitude to former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Luce and the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General for their exceptional work on this case. Their efforts were instrumental in uncovering the extent of Rumley’s theft and ensuring that justice was served.
Commitment to Protecting the Integrity of Mail Delivery
The sentencing of Rumley serves as a reminder of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s commitment to safeguarding the sanctity of the U.S. Mail. Inspector Carroll Harris, in charge of the Los Angeles Division, highlighted the agency’s dedication to holding those who commit theft accountable for their actions. The commitment to protecting the integrity of mail delivery extends to all postal employees.
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Summary of Charges
Tracy Rumley faced several charges related to her theft of mail and unauthorized possession of keys. The charges included:
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Count 1: Keys or Locks Stolen – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1704 Maximum penalty: Ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine
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Count 2: Theft of Stolen Mail Matter – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1708
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Count 3: Theft of Mail by Postal Employee – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1709 Maximum penalty (Counts 2 & 3): Five years in prison and a $250,000 fine
Contact Information
For more information on this case or any related matters, please contact Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Casper at (619) 546-6734.
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