PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Seven postal workers in Providence, Rhode Island, have been charged with participating in a large-scale mail theft ring, involving the stealing of gift cards, cash, and checks. Federal authorities uncovered this scheme at the Providence Postal Processing and Distribution Center on Corliss Street, where hundreds of items were taken for personal use.
The United States Attorney for Rhode Island, Zachary Cunha, described the operation as “massive” during a press conference announcing the arrests. Investigators believe that the accused workers targeted mail suspected to contain money or checks, particularly focusing on greeting cards around the holiday season to extract cash and gift cards illegally.
In a year-long investigation, surveillance footage captured members of the ring smuggling stolen mail out of the facility on a regular basis. Workers would ensnare the targeted mail into backpacks for removal before dividing the spoils after work. The severity of the thefts was highlighted by the recovery of a backpack containing checks exceeding $1 million in value.
The accused individuals, including supervisor Cyril Murray and several other workers, have been named in the case. Federal authorities have emphasized the need for caution when sending valuables through the mail, encouraging the public to refrain from sending cash. The U.S. Postal Service underlined the importance of reporting suspected mail theft, providing various channels for lodging complaints.
As the accused individuals face legal proceedings, the Providence community remains wary of such criminal activities within the postal system. The investigation serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with entrusting valuable items to the mail service, urging individuals to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior promptly.