Investigative News Releases

Agent arresting suspect Office of Investigations

Working with our Law Enforcement Partners

Our special agents investigate nationwide internal crimes and fraud committed by postal employees and contractors as well as postal employee misconduct. We work with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and local prosecutors across the country to prosecute these crimes.

In some instances, we uncover much larger criminal activity being carried out by multiple individuals and organizations. In many of these cases, we partner with other federal and local law enforcement agencies to identify and hold responsible those who take advantage of the public’s trust in our postal system.

Below are links to the most recent news releases about our work.

Former USPS Employee Pleads Guilty for Stealing the Contents of U.S. Mail

Date Released: 02/02/2024

Category: Internal Mail Theft

NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA –TOI SMITH, age 26, a resident of New Orleans, pled guilty on January 30, 2024 to theft of mail by a postal employee, SMITH’S sentencing is set for May 14, 2024. The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

New Haven Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison

Date Released: 02/01/2024

Category: Narcotics

JASHON SPEARMAN, also known as “J ” and “Deuce,” 35, of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 144 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a New Haven area drug trafficking ring operating in the West Hills neighborhood of New Haven. This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General.

Jury Convicts Tampa Woman Of Defrauding Government Of Federal Benefits

Date Released: 02/01/2024

Category: Health Care Fraud

Tampa, Florida – A federal jury has found Shirin Marshall (55, Tampa) guilty of four counts of mail fraud. In August 2000, Marshall claimed a back and shoulder injury while working as a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier, she filed a subsequent claim related to workplace stress. Marshall later began receiving disability benefits and wage compensation. An investigation by the U.S. Postal Service - Office of Inspector General revealed that Marshall concealed her physical capabilities,

Postal Employee Indicted for Mail Theft

Date Released: 01/31/2024

Category: Internal Mail Theft

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SHAKEITHA WILEY, age 41, of New Orleans, was indicted for mail theft. WILEY, a postal employee, stole gift cards from the mail and used those gift cards at a local store. The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General.

Citizen Of Dominican Republic Sentenced To 79 Months In Prison For $16 Million COVID-19 Unemployment Benefits Fraud Scheme

Date Released: 01/30/2024

Category: Financial Fraud

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that YOHAURIS RODRIGUEZ HERNANDEZ was sentenced to 79 months in prison in connection with her participation in a fraudulent scheme to obtain over $16 million in Government benefits intended to provide relief to individuals without employment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General.