ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Following confirmation the United States Postal Service is conducting mail theft investigations in and around the Rochester area, News 8 is looking deeper into one case which was an inside job.
While there are national plans to address mail theft, including increasing violence against mail carriers, an audit report from the Inspector General’s Office shows several areas in need of improvement.
Last week, a former letter carrier in Rochester pleaded guilty to charges of mail theft . According to the criminal complaint obtained by News 8, Rochester resident Marlene Cruz stole mail along her route from January 2022 through November 2023. She was working as a postal vehicle carrier, delivering mail to residents and businesses in an area northwest of the Rochester Downtown Station. Stills from video surveillance, arranged by investigators in Cruz’s assigned delivery truck, show her using a tool to open letters, evaluate materials, often taking cash or gift cards and placing those items in a pocket or wallet.