Ohio Postal Worker Allegedly Stole 250 Gift Cards

CLEVELAND, OH —A U.S. Postal worker has been indicted for allegedly stealing more than 250 gift cards out of the mail, while working at a postal station in Cleveland.

"This defendant is accused of stealing hundreds of gift cards worth thousands of dollars over three months. Presumably some of these were birthday presents or other gifts that people entrusted to the postal service for delivery," U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. "Those who steal mail will be held accountable for their actions, just like any other criminal.”

Monique Wheeler, 54, of Warrensville Heights, was indicted by a grand jury this week. She is facing charges of one count of theft of mail.

Wheeler allegedly stole or took letters, post cards, packages, bags, or mail and numerous gift cards of different monetary amounts between July 2017 and September 2017. The gift cards were to dozens of different stores, including Aldi, Amazon, Applebee’s, Best Buy, Bob Evans, Buffalo Wild Wings, Chick Fil A, Chipotle, DSW, Game Stop, Home Depot, Kohl’s, Lowe’s, MasterCard, Panera, Red Lobster, Starbucks, Target, Victoria’s Secret, Visa, Xbox and others.

"The vast majority of the 600,000 Postal Service employees nationwide are hard working individuals worthy of America’s trust. However, when one of them decides to violate that trust, special agents of the US Postal Service's Office of the Inspector General will conduct an aggressive and thorough investigation, as was done in this case. Special agents will seek federal prosecution and the individual’s removal from the Postal Service," U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General Special Agent in Charge Kenneth F. Cleevely said.

Cleevely added that citizens can always report suspected criminal activity on the part of their mailman or other postal workers. "When an employee steals from the mail, they risk loss of employment, loss of their retirement, and loss of their freedom. To report postal employees involved in criminal activity, contact USPS OIG special agents at www.uspsoig.gov or 888-USPS-OIG," he said.

Wheeler was investigated by the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General.

Photo from David Allen, Patch