Postal Supervisor Patel Accused of $15K Theft

CAMDEN, N.J. – A U.S. Postal Service supervisor is facing federal charges after a year-long investigation revealed he allegedly pilfered over $15,000 from cash deposits across three New Jersey post offices. Amar D. Patel, 35, of Delran, is scheduled to appear in federal court today to answer to the charges.

U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced that Patel is charged by complaint with knowingly embezzling, stealing, purloining, and converting to his use U.S. Postal Service funds exceeding $1,000. The alleged scheme unfolded between February 20, 2016, and January 14, 2017, impacting the Riverside, Delanco, and Delran post offices.

The Postal Service Office of Inspector General (OIG) launched the investigation in July 2016 after repeated cash deposit shortages were reported. Patel, as supervisor for all three locations, had unrestricted access to the sealed deposit bags containing cash from retail transactions. Investigators didn’t need to look far for evidence. On January 14, 2017, covert surveillance cameras installed inside the Riverside post office captured Patel tearing open a deposit bag, removing cash, and stuffing it into his own pocket. Postal records confirmed a $1,650 shortfall for that same day.

The complaint details 12 separate instances of alleged theft, totaling $15,700. The OIG’s surveillance, combined with financial and bank deposit records, built a solid case against Patel. He exploited his position of trust to line his pockets, betraying the public’s confidence in the Postal Service.

If convicted, Patel faces a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. This isn’t a minor infraction; it’s a serious breach of public trust and a direct hit to a vital federal institution. Monica Weyler, U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General Special Agent in Charge for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, led the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabriel J. Vidoni of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden is prosecuting the case. It’s crucial to remember that these are allegations at this stage, and Patel is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it develops.