Michele Dearaujo, Possessing Stolen Mail, New Jersey 2020

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Newark Woman Admits to Possessing Stolen Mail

TRENTON, N.J. – Michele Dearaujo, a 37-year-old resident of Newark, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to possessing stolen mail in Hunterdon and Monmouth Counties. Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced the guilty plea, which was entered via videoconference before U.S. District Judge Anne E. Thompson.

Dearaujo admitted to unlawfully possessing stolen mail on two separate occasions. The first incident occurred on Oct. 14, 2020, in Hunterdon County, where a mailbox was tampered with and a victim’s credit card was fraudulently used to purchase merchandise worth hundreds of dollars, which was shipped to Dearaujo’s address.

The investigation revealed that Dearaujo had stolen mail from several residences in New Jersey. Dearaujo admitted that on Nov. 20, 2020, in Hunterdon County, and on January 25, 2019, in Monmouth County, she unlawfully possessed mail which had been stolen, knowing that it had been stolen.

The counts of unlawful possession of stolen mail each carry a maximum penalty of five years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for June 14, 2021.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited postal inspectors of the U.S Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Raimundo Marrero, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. She also thanked the Tewksbury Township Police Department, Rumson Police Department, Saddle River Police Department, Woodcliff Lake Police Department, Warren Township Police Department, Readington Township Police Department, and Clinton Township Police Department for their assistance.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Calle of the U.S. Attorney’s Office OCDETF/Narcotics Unit.

The case is a reminder of the importance of protecting one’s personal information and being vigilant when it comes to mail and package delivery. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately.

As the investigation and prosecution of this case demonstrate, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work tirelessly to protect the citizens of New Jersey from mail theft and other financial crimes.