Melissa C. Daniels-Johnson, Assault on Postal Employee, New York 2020

BUFFALO, N.Y. – In a shocking display of disregard for public health and safety, Melissa C. Daniels-Johnson, 39, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty to assaulting a federal officer, a USPS Letter Carrier, at the Cheektowaga Branch Post Office on March 19, 2020.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno, the defendant drove her vehicle into the parking lot through an exit driveway, shouting profanities and threatening to cough on the Letter Carrier to give him the Coronavirus. The manager of the Cheektowaga Branch Post Office attempted to calm Daniels-Johnson down, but the defendant’s behavior escalated, and she spit on the Letter Carrier, hitting him in the leg.

The investigation into the incident was led by the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Joseph W. Cronin of the Boston Division, and the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Sliwinski.

Daniels-Johnson faces a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for November 30, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to protecting the public from scammers and individuals who attempt to prey on fears during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you think you are a victim of a scam or attempted fraud involving COVID-19, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via email at disaster@leo.gov.

The case serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting and protecting public health and safety during this critical time. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute individuals who engage in such reckless behavior.

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