1,500 Gift Cards Stolen By Cleveland Postal Worker: DOJ

CLEVELAND — At least 1,500 gift cards, worth $47,000, were stolen by a Cleveland postal worker and her partner, according to an indictment filed this week by the Department of Justice. Cards meant for young children and family were allegedly snatched by the postal worker.

“This defendant is accused of stealing more than a thousand gift cards worth tens thousands of dollars, including birthday presents or other gifts people entrusted to the postal service for delivery to their family and loved ones," U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. "Those who steal mail will be held accountable for their actions, just like any other criminal.”

Jennifer Ricardi, 46, and Joseph Dennis, 37, both of Cleveland, were charged with conspiracy to commit theft of mail and possession of stolen mail, and more. Ricardi also faces charges for theft of mail by a postal employee.

Ricardi was an employee at the USPS Processing and Distribution Center on Orange Avenue in Cleveland. Her alleged mail scheme took place between Dec. 2016 and Dec. 2017.

In just one night, the indictment says, Ricardi stole more than 100 greeting cards. Among the mail she stole were cards from a mother to a daughter (reading "Love you! Mom"), a card wishing a child a "Happy 1st Birthday" and more.

Any mail that appeared to contain a gift card was a possible target for Ricardi, the DOJ said. Once she had parcels she thought held cash or gift cards, she would stuff it in bags, her lunch box or somewhere on her person and smuggle it home, the indictment said.

Dennis and Ricardi then sold at least 41 gift cards, and used others to make purchases from Amazon, Kohl's, Starbucks, and other businesses, the DOJ said.

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When law enforcement searched Dennis and Ricardi's residence, on Dec. 11, 2017, they found at least 108 pieces of stolen mail, $42,000 in cash, an automatic currency counter, and 1,505 stolen gift cards, the indictment said.

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