Maisha K. Daniels, Stolen Firearm Sale, Florida 2023

JACKSONVILLE, FL – A former U.S. Postal Service employee has confessed to pilfering a firearm from the mail and then attempting to profit from it. Maisha K. Daniels, 46, of Jacksonville, pleaded guilty today to selling a stolen firearm, a Sig Sauer semi-automatic pistol, and now faces a potential decade behind bars.

The theft came to light in April 2022 when the gun, originally shipped from a licensed dealer in Nevada to Florida, disappeared while passing through a Jacksonville postal distribution center where Daniels was assigned. The Nevada dealer quickly reported the pistol stolen. Just one week later, Daniels walked into a Jacksonville firearms dealer and sold the stolen Sig Sauer for a measly $250. She provided her name, address, and cellphone number during the transaction, and a security camera captured her on video.

Federal investigators, a joint task force from the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, quickly zeroed in on Daniels. Initially, she denied any knowledge of stolen items at the distribution center or even owning a firearm. But confronted with the security camera image from the gun shop, Daniels admitted to stealing the pistol while on the job. She also confessed to swiping three Coach brand clutch purses.

A search of Daniels’ work belongings revealed more than just the stolen goods. Agents discovered four bags of THC edibles, a sealed letter not addressed to or from her, and a gift box and card intended for a third party. She also had a Coach hat, four gift cards, a Coach watch, and a Coach scarf – all in their original packaging. Daniels claimed these Coach items were gifts from coworkers, a claim investigators are likely scrutinizing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Coolican is prosecuting the case, which falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened PSN program in May 2021, focusing on community trust, prevention, strategic enforcement, and measurable results.

While a sentencing date hasn’t been set, Daniels’ actions have landed her in a precarious position. A conviction on this charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. This case serves as a stark reminder that even those entrusted with public service are not above the law, and that stealing and illegally selling firearms will be met with serious consequences.

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