⏱ 2 min read
Diane Brinkley, 56, of Chicago, assaulted a United States Postal Service mail carrier on June 9, 2025, while the carrier was delivering mail near Brinkley’s former residence. The attack happened when Brinkley approached the carrier, began yelling, and shoved her, causing the carrier to fall onto concrete steps. When the carrier stood up, Brinkley struck her again, knocking her down. The motive behind the attack is not clear.
Brinkley was convicted of a federal assault charge after a two-day trial in U.S. District Court in Chicago. The jury returned its verdict on July 16, 2026, and Brinkley faces up to a year in federal prison. U.S. Magistrate Judge Heather K. McShain set sentencing for November 16.
The conviction was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Nicholas Bucciarelli, Inspector-in-Charge of the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hayley Altabef and Eric Rigoli.
The case highlights the risks faced by postal workers and the seriousness with which such attacks are taken by law enforcement. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and federal authorities work together to investigate and prosecute crimes against postal employees.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Violent Crime
- Defendant: Illinois
- Location: IL
- Source: DOJ Press Release
