Mail Handler Stole Electronics from Known Reseller and Pawned for Cash
A former postal worker has been charged with federal crimes for stealing mail, announced U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. JAMIE GUHLKE, 55, of Federal Way, Washington pleaded not guilty to three counts of theft of mail by an officer or employee at her initial appearance on the indictment on April 16, 2018. Trial on the charges is scheduled in front of Judge James L. Robart on June 25, 2018.
According to records filed in the case, in 2015, while still employed as a mail handler at the United States Postal Service Priority Mail Annex in Kent, Washington, GUHLKE stole as many as 44 packages mailed by an online electronics distributor to customers across the country. The packages contained digital devices, including Apple iPads and Samsung Galaxy tablets. The thefts interfered with operations at the Priority Mail Annex, which is responsible for processing the vast majority of Priority Mail that originates in Washington State. Law enforcement traced two of the devices to a local pawn shop, and determined that other items were sold via the online marketplace ‘OfferUp’. One additional device was found in GUHLKE’s possession. When GUHLKE left work on Aug. 27, 2015, her car was stopped by Special Agents of the United States Postal Service - Office of Inspector General. Visible inside the car on the front passenger seat was the stolen device. Following the traffic stop, GUHLKE was barred from postal service property and her employment was terminated.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service - Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Siddharth Velamoor.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
