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.

Californian Pleads Guilty to Supplying at Least 50 Pounds of Meth to Western PA

Date Released: 08/03/2022

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Stockton, California, pleaded guilty in federal court to violation of federal narcotics and money laundering laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Cindy Chung announced today. Juan Villagran, age 24, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possesses with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of...

Man Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Role in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme

Date Released: 07/28/2022

CAMDEN, N.J. – A Camden County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 36 months in prison for his role in a scheme to obtain money through fraudulently obtained refund checks issued by the U.S. Treasury, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Jorge Gutierrez, 43, of Merchantville, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler to an indictment charging him with conspiracy to defraud the United States. Judge Kugler imposed the sentence today in Camden...

Man Pleads Guilty in Conspiracy that Brought Mexican Cocaine to Western PA

Date Released: 07/28/2022

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Los Angeles, California pleaded guilty in federal court to violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today. Juan Carlos Alejandres, 28, formerly of Los Angeles, California, pleaded guilty to an Indictment charging him, and 26 other codefendants, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine before United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy. In connection...

Ex-USPS Worker Sentenced to Probation and Community Service for Obstruction of Mail

Date Released: 07/20/2022

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that Sierra Hudson, age 35, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty to obstruction of mail on July 15, 2022. Hudson was sentenced to five years’ probation, 100 hours of community service, a $1,000.00 fine, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee by United States District Court Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle. This case was investigated by special agents from the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (“USPS-OIG”). The...

Guilty Plea in Cross-Country Meth and Marijuana Trafficking Scheme

Date Released: 07/19/2022

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Grants Pass, Oregon, pleaded guilty in federal court to violation of federal narcotics and money laundering laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Cindy Chung announced today. George Charlan, age 34, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possesses with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of...