U.S. Attorney E. Martin Estrada | U.S. Department of Justice
A United States Postal Service supervisor has been arrested on allegations of stealing over $281,000 in checks from the mail and depositing them into her bank accounts. Joivian Tjuana Hayes, 36, of Compton, who works at the Costa Mesa Post Office, was taken into custody and is set to appear in court in Santa Ana.
The criminal complaint filed against Hayes charges her with one count of bank fraud. According to an affidavit supporting the complaint, since July 2024, Hayes allegedly deposited more than 20 stolen checks into her accounts at various banks. These checks reportedly bore forged signatures of the payees, including one check valued at over $114,000. Surveillance footage from ATMs in Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa, and Compton allegedly shows Hayes making these deposits.
The alleged scheme involved more than $281,000 in stolen checks. The affidavit also suggests that Hayes may have stolen additional cash and gold coins from mail processed through the Costa Mesa Post Office.
Federal agents executed search warrants at Hayes's residence in Compton and on her 2023 BMW vehicle. A criminal complaint includes allegations that a defendant has committed a crime; however, a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted of the bank fraud charge, Hayes could face up to 30 years in federal prison. The investigation was conducted by the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Charles E. Pell is prosecuting the case.
