Rochester Mail Carrier Sentenced for Stealing Mail

In a shocking case of mail theft, Marlene Cruz, 40, of Rochester, NY, has been sentenced to 2 years’ probation for stealing mail matter by officer or employee.

Cruz, a former full-time mail carrier, was convicted of the charge, which carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa handed down the sentence.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who handled the case, an investigation was launched in January 2022 after the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) received complaints from individuals stating that their mail had been tampered with in late 2021. The investigation revealed that Cruz worked the mail route involving the complaints.

Further investigation determined that between January 2022 and November 2023, Cruz routinely opened envelopes and parcels, removing items such as ticket stubs, documents, cash, lottery tickets, and gift cards on dozens of occasions.

In May and November 2023, investigators conducted mail integrity tests, placing greeting cards containing cash and gift cards in the mail to be delivered by Cruz. On November 2, 2023, at the end of her shift, investigators detained Cruz and executed a warrant for her person and personal belongings. During the search, they recovered a gift card from one of the mail integrity test greeting cards inside Cruz’ personal duffle bag.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent-in-Charge Northeast Field Office. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mail integrity and the consequences of violating it.

As the investigation revealed, Cruz’ actions resulted in the theft of mail valued at thousands of dollars. Her case highlights the need for vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the public to prevent such crimes.