NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) — More than a dozen individuals were charged with various postal crimes for offenses against the United States Postal Service, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York announced on Wednesday.
The crackdown followed a multi-agency initiative that aimed at increasing federal enforcement against those involved in mail-related robberies, frauds, and thefts. The investigation began following concerns over the safety and security of postal carriers and the safety of mail service.
It led to the arrest of 27 individuals.
One of the cases was that of Robert Diaz, who allegedly robbed USPS carriers and stole USPS arrow keys. If convicted, he could face up to 40 years in prison.
"My Office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect the safety of USPS employees and the integrity of the United States mail," U.S. attorney Damian Williams said. "The indictment against Robert Diaz and the many others who have been charged with mail-related crimes over the past several months should send a clear message that criminally targeting the U.S. mail is a serious federal offense and will not be tolerated."
Another, Audrey Frazier, an employee of the USPS, was charged with stealing mail from a USPS facility over a span of months. The crime has the potential of a five-year sentence.
Several others were charged with offenses from mail theft, possession of stolen mail, and usage of stolen postal keys. Each of these offenses carry different prison sentences, with some individuals facing potential imprisonment of up to 20 years.
Andy Ariel Santana: Accused of cashing over $100,000 in stolen and altered postal money orders. Faces a potential 10-year sentence.
Sherrod Murphy and Rayshawn Niblack: Might have been involved in a mail theft scheme targeting relay and panel boxes. Could face up to five years if convicted.
Eric Brown: Accused of purchasing stolen checks and other items valued over $200,000. Facing a potential five-year sentence.
Khayyam Alexander, Saheed Dupree & Diamante Perry: Allegedly used a stolen postal key to steal mail. Could be sentenced up to 20 years.
Jose Matos: Possession of over $60,000 in stolen checks and crack cocaine. Faces up to 25 years if convicted.
Lydell Yancey: Found with stolen mail and a postal key near a collection box. Potential 20-year sentence.
Deandre Jackson, Quamel Pierce & Raheem Wallace: Possessed stolen mail and a postal key near a collection box. Facing up to 20 years in prison.
Michael Edwards & Carlos Mercado: Allegedly used a stolen postal key to steal mail. Each faces up to 20 years, with Mercado also charged with attempted assault of an officer.
Jonathan Carbuccia, Juan Carbuccia & Manuel Perez: Accused of stealing mail from a collection box. Could be sentenced up to 20 years.
Christian Cebollero: Allegedly stole checks and other items from a USPS facility. Faces up to 10 years.
Emmanuel Hernandez: Charged with stealing mail from a collection box. Facing a potential sentence of five years.
John Burbano: Accused of using a stolen postal key to steal mail. Could serve up to 15 years.
Jeremy Pinales Diaz: Charged with mail theft. Faces a potential sentence of five years.
Jayvaugn Valentine & Brian Gutierrez: Allegedly used a stolen postal key to steal mail. Could face up to 20 years.
Donte Goulbourne & Armando Kenneth Beniquez: Apprehended after allegedly using a stolen postal key to steal mail. Potential sentence of up to 20 years.
