New York Postal Worker Accused of Stealing Gift Cards From Mail After Surveillance Footage Captures Alleged Theft
OAKDALE, NEW YORK — A postal worker in Suffolk County is facing serious allegations after investigators say she was caught on surveillance video stealing gift cards from customer mail while on duty at the Oakdale post office.
Surveillance Footage Leads to Immediate Investigation
According to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, 35-year-old Jovanni Jamison-Lewis was recorded on internal postal cameras allegedly opening mail, ripping out gift cards, and taking some mail pieces home. The footage reportedly shows multiple instances of Jamison-Lewis handling mail in ways that violated USPS procedures.
Authorities say the discovery was made during a routine inspection that escalated once suspicious activity appeared on the video.
Prosecutors Detail the Alleged Mail Theft
Investigators allege that Jamison-Lewis intentionally targeted mail containing gift cards, removing them from envelopes before discarding the remaining contents. Prosecutors stated that some of the opened mail was later found discarded or mishandled.
Officials say the case highlights the severe consequences of tampering with or stealing from the U.S. mail, which is considered a federal offense.
Potential Federal Charges Under Review
The district attorney’s office confirmed that the matter has been referred to federal authorities, as mail theft involving USPS employees typically falls under federal jurisdiction. Formal charges have not yet been announced, and no plea information has been released.
USPS officials have not commented on personnel actions, but postal regulations allow for immediate suspension in cases involving alleged theft or security violations.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Case Status
The incident has sparked strong reactions from residents who rely on post office branches for holiday mailings and gift shipments. With the alleged thefts occurring during the busy December mail season, many customers expressed concern about the security of their packages and cards.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, and additional details will be released as the case progresses.
Share Your Thoughts
How concerned are you about the security of your mail during the holiday season? Join the discussion now at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
