Investigative News Releases

NEWARK, N.J. – A Morris County, New Jersey, woman employed by the U.S. Postal Service today admitted making false statements in several claim forms seeking disability compensation. Pamela VanSyckle, pleaded guilty to one count of federal employee compensation fraud. During the time in which she received disability benefits, VanSyckle was in fact working as the owner and operator of a travel agency. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector

WASHINGTON – Three former federal employees were sentenced today for their roles in a conspiracy to steal proprietary software and sensitive law-enforcement databases from the U.S. government for use in a commercial venture. The sentencings were announced today by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves; Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS-OIG); and Inspector General Tammy Hull of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS OIG).

GREAT FALLS — A Great Falls woman who admitted to possessing stolen mail and wire fraud while working as a postal service contract driver was sentenced today to three years of probation and ordered to pay $5,641 restitution. The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – On January 17, 2024, George Charlan, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, and Derek Hillebrand, was sentenced to 18 years. Charlan orchestrated a shipment of over 500 lbs of narcotics from California and Nevada Pennsylvania. Hillebrand received and distributed at least 440 lbs of narcotics to his customers. Charlan had Hillebrand to send over $1 million from PA to CA, and the remaining profits to Charlan. USPS – Office of Inspector General assisted in the investigation.

ROCHESTER, N.Y.- Marlene Cruz pleaded guilty to theft of mail matter by employee. In January 2022, USPS received complaints from individuals stating that their mail had been tampered with. Cruz worked the mail route involving the complaints. Cruz routinely opened envelopes and parcels, removing items on dozens of occasions. U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent-in-Charge Northeast Field Office.