OIG OPERATING STATUS

DUE TO A LAPSE IN GOVERNMENT FUNDING, ALL NON-EXCEPTED OIG EMPLOYEES ARE FURLOUGHED AND MUST CEASE ALL OIG WORK-RELATED ACTIVITIES.

This website will not be monitored or updated until full operations resume.
Your interest in the efficiency of Postal Service programs is important to us. Our Hotline remains operational, and you may still submit your concern and it will be reviewed.

You may also submit FOIA requests, however we cannot respond until the government reopens.

Investigative News Releases

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.

Reynoldsville, PA Resident Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Violating Federal Narcotics and Firearms Laws

Date Released: 12/27/2023

Category: Narcotics

PITTSBURGH, PA – Kristy Lepionka has been sentenced in federal court to five years of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release on her convictions for violating federal narcotics and firearms laws. Lepionka received parcels that were shipped from California to Pennsylvania containing methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney Olshan commended the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Lepionka.

Waterbury Cocaine Trafficker Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in Federal Prison

Date Released: 12/21/2023

Category: Narcotics

In total, law enforcement seized from Rodriguez a total of $455,308.83 in cash and from a bank account, jewelry appraised at $509,045, a 2019 Polaris Slingshot, a 2013 BMW X6, a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a 2020 Can Am Spyder Roadster, and a 2015 Toyota Sienna. The Task Force included members from the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General.

Orthopedic Surgeon Convicted of Health Care Fraud

Date Released: 12/14/2023

Category: Health Care Fraud

BOSTON – A Canton orthopedic surgeon has been convicted by a federal jury in Boston for his role in a health care fraud scheme. Dr. Olarewaju James Oladipo, 60, of Canton, was convicted on Dec. 12, 2023 of 10 counts of health care fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for March 12, 2024 at 1 pm. Oladipo was arrested and charged in March 2022. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, and USPS-OIG SAC Modafferi made the announcement.

Postal Service Employee Is Sentenced for Stealing a Firearm From Mailed Package

Date Released: 12/14/2023

Category: Internal Mail Theft

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A USPS employee was sentenced today for mail theft after stealing a firearm from a mailed package. U.S. District Judge ordered Demarkis Deon Houston, to serve 15 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release. Jeff Krafels, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General for the Mid-Atlantic Area Field Office, join U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.

Former Ithaca Postal Employee Sentenced for Stealing Money Orders

Date Released: 12/13/2023

Category: Financial Fraud

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Stephen Perrine was sentenced today to 12 months of probation for stealing money orders from the United States Postal Service. Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi, United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office, made the announcement. Perrine previously pled guilty and admitted that while working for the USPS he stole 10 money orders totaling $2,480, by issuing them to himself.