Lynn Postal Worker Accused of $8,553 Mail Scam

BOSTON – A former United States Postal Service (USPS) employee is facing federal charges after allegedly pilfering mail and government funds, the Department of Justice announced today. The scheme reportedly netted the individual over $8,500 in stolen cash, gift cards, and fraudulently obtained money orders.

Michael Murray, 36, of Lynn, has been indicted on one count of theft of mail matter by an employee and one count of theft of government money. Murray was taken into custody this morning and is scheduled to appear in federal court in Boston at 11 a.m. today to answer to the charges.

According to the indictment, Murray worked as a postal clerk at the Beach Street Post Office in Revere and the Melrose Post Office from around September 2022 through July 2023. Between April and July 2023, the feds allege Murray exploited his position to steal the contents of hundreds of pieces of mail. This included gift cards, cash, and checks adding up to approximately $3,422. But that wasn’t enough. The indictment further claims Murray also stole and fraudulently cashed USPS money orders, generating them for customers and pocketing the $5,131 in proceeds.

If convicted, Murray faces a stiff penalty. The theft of mail by an employee carries a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The theft of government funds charge, given the amount exceeding $1,000, could land him up to 10 years behind bars, along with three years of supervised release and another $250,000 fine. However, sentencing is at the discretion of the federal district court judge, guided by U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Office, jointly announced the indictment. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia M. Carris, Deputy Chief of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit.

It’s crucial to remember that the details presented in the charging documents are merely allegations at this point. Michael Murray is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any developments.