James Chandler, Robbery and Kidnapping, Pennsylvania 2021

A brazen crime has left the community shaken as a Philadelphia man has been charged with the kidnapping and robbery of two postal workers.

According to a federal indictment, James Chandler, 54, of Philadelphia, PA, allegedly robbed uniformed postal workers during the execution of their official duties delivering parcels in West Philadelphia on January 11, 2021, and February 4, 2021. Chandler used a replica handgun to force the postal workers into their trucks and steal packages from inside.

During the incident on February 4, Chandler allegedly forced one of the postal workers at gunpoint to drive him for several blocks in her postal truck before fleeing on foot.

“Targeting and violently assaulting employees of the United States Postal Service is a federal crime that will be investigated and prosecuted swiftly by this office,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams. “Mail carriers provide an essential service to nearly every citizen, oftentimes going above and beyond to execute their duties in challenging circumstances. If you choose to kidnap or rob a mail carrier, I guarantee you will feel the full force of the federal government come down on you in the form of intense investigation and aggressive prosecution.”

“Today, the United States Attorney’s Office charged James Chandler for assaulting two postal carriers while they delivered mail in the City of Philadelphia,” said Damon Wood, Postal Inspector in Charge of the Philadelphia Division. “While the carriers went about their job, delivering the many items that residents of the city depend upon, including medications, bills, benefits, and all the other items that help folks manage through this cold snowy winter and the pandemic a little easier, Mr. Chandler kidnaped them with what looked like a gun, and ransacked their postal trucks, looking for items he thought he could sell for a few dollars.”

Chandler faces a maximum possible sentence of life in prison if convicted. The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Philadelphia Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin Oshana.

An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Related Federal Cases