Postal Workers, Mail Theft Conspiracy, Rhode Island 2024

PROVIDENCE, RI – Seven individuals, all former or current employees of the U.S. Postal Service, have been charged in federal court with conspiracy and theft of mail for their alleged participation in an alleged mail theft ring spanning from early 2023 through the beginning of 2024, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.

Six of the seven individuals were arrested today; a seventh defendant was charged earlier this month. All seven men were employed at the Processing and Distribution Center at 24 Corliss Street, Providence, RI. One of the men charged was a supervisor at the distribution center.

According to charging documents, in March 2023, customers began reporting that mail was either not delivered or delivered without its contents. An investigation by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General identified a group of employees, including a supervisor, who are alleged to have worked together to sort, separate, and conceal selected mail that they believed to contain cash, checks, or gift cards.

At the end of their shift, the mail would be removed surreptitiously from the distribution center, usually in a backpack carried by a member of the theft ring. The group gathered after their shifts ended and opened the stolen mail, sorting out gift cards, cash, and checks to distribute amongst themselves. During the course of the investigation, it is alleged that one defendant was caught with a backpack of stolen mail that included over $1.3 million worth of checks.

The misuse of public employment for private gain is both a serious crime and profound breach of the public trust, commented U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. The arrests and charges we announce today should send a clear message that those who engage in public corruption for personal gain will be held accountable.

U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi added, The Special Agents of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General are committed to maintaining the integrity of the Postal Service and its more than 600,000 employees. The conduct alleged in the criminal complaint is disgraceful and our office will continue to investigate postal employees who violate the public’s trust.

Charged in U.S. District Court in Providence with conspiracy to steal mail and theft of mail by a postal employee are:

Darren Camacho, 30, of Providence;

Fernando Camacho, 28, of Providence;

Willie Estrella, 31, of Providence;

Ryan Lee, 43, of Cranston;

Cyril Murray, 44, of Pawtucket (employed as a supervisor);

Angel Rivera, 27, of Providence;

and Andre Williams, 31, of North Providence.

A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie M. White.

The matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Providence Police Department, and Smithfield Police Department.

The public can report mail theft by contacting the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General hotline at 1-888-USPS-OIG (1-888-877-7644; online at www.uspsoig.gov/hotline; via email at Hotline@uspsoig.gov; or by mail at USPS OIG, Attn: OIG Hotline, 1735 North Lynn Street, Arlington, VA 22209-2020.

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