NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — A Bronx man who worked as a postal worker was indicted Monday for stealing five checks from the mail totaling more than $77,000, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced.
The ex-USPS worker, 30-year-old Donald Fagan Jr., worked at a Chinatown post office location where he stole the checks between September and November 2021, according to court documents.
Fagan Jr. took checks that were either being mailed through the post office location or to addresses in the 10002 area code. After taking the checks, he passed them along to 24-year-old Yonkers resident Ismael Benreuben who altered the name and amounts before depositing them both men's accounts, officials said.
After the money was in their accounts, the scammers would quickly withdraw the funds or electronically transfer them using Zelle or CashApp. They were able to make away with over $20,000 before the activity was flagged, authorities said.
For his role, Fagan Jr. received at least $2,400 in payments.
NYPD and USPS caught on the scheme after receiving multiple reports of stolen checks from people in the area.
“As alleged, this postal worker abused his position to steal checks, and worked with others to withdraw as much money as possible before their fraud was uncovered,” said District Attorney Bragg. “I urge New Yorkers to keep a close eye on your bank accounts, and report any stolen checks as soon as you notice the theft.
Both Fagan Jr. and Benreuben face multiple charges including grand larceny and conspiracy.
“Today’s indictment of two mail thieves is an example of the commitment of law enforcement to bring those to justice who prey upon the public and use an American tradition to commit criminal acts. Let this be a resounding message that Postal Inspectors will spare no resource to uncover theft, no matter where it is found,” said USPIS Inspector in Charge Daniel B. Brubaker.
The case is still being investigated. Authorities have uncovered at least 60 additional checks stolen from the same post office location.
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