A former U.S. Postal Service employee in Indianapolis has been convicted of mail theft and sentenced to 180 days of home detention. 29-year-old Justin Crain pleaded guilty to the felony charge after an investigation revealed he had been stealing cash and gift cards from mail while working as a mail processing clerk.
Crain’s illegal activities were uncovered when the Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General noticed numerous opened mail items that had passed through the Indianapolis processing center.
Video surveillance footage captured Crain opening greeting cards and removing cash and gift cards. During a two-hour period, Crain was observed repeatedly rifling through mail in search of valuables.
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Crain admitted to investigators that he had stolen approximately $5,000 over several months. In addition to home detention, he was sentenced to three years of probation, 40 hours of community service, and a $5,000 fine.
“The vast majority of Postal employees are dedicated to their important mission and serve the public admirably, delivering people’s private, important, and sensitive items,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “The defendant was sworn and entrusted to protect the public’s mail, and instead abused his position to steal gifts meant to celebrate birthdays, holidays, and special events. Public service is a public trust, and government employees who use their positions to steal from the public will be identified and held accountable.”
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