A federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico indicted a Guaynabo resident on March 19 for allegedly kidnapping and carjacking a United States Postal Service letter carrier while the carrier was performing official duties.
The case highlights concerns about violence against federal employees and efforts to ensure their safety. The U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico supports public safety by handling federal crimes, including civil rights violations, according to the official website.
Court documents state that on or about November 25, 2025, Ariel Ayala Meléndez, age 59, allegedly seized and abducted K.L.V.G., a postal worker, at knifepoint. The defendant is accused of forcing the victim to drive a postal vehicle from San Juan to Guaynabo before the victim escaped by crashing the vehicle. Ayala Meléndez faces four charges: kidnapping or impeding certain officers or employees; assault on a federal employee with a dangerous weapon; robbery of a mail custodian; and carjacking. If convicted, he could face up to life in prison for kidnapping and significant sentences for other counts.
“Violent attacks on federal employees will not be tolerated,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “This indictment demonstrates that, along with our law enforcement partners, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to holding accountable those responsible for acts of violence that terrorize local communities and those who serve those communities.”
Bladismir Rojo, Inspector in Charge of the Miami Division, said: “The most important job of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is the safety of our employees.” He added: “This arrest is a result of the determined efforts exhibited by our postal inspectors, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners.”
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service led the investigation with help from the FBI and Puerto Rico Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Edwin Cabán Jr., from the Postal Inspection Service, is prosecuting.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico enforces federal laws through criminal prosecutions and civil litigation as reported by its official website. The office serves all areas within Puerto Rico in these efforts and offers mechanisms for reporting crimes to promote public safety according to its official website.
Muldrow held his position as United States Attorney overseeing these activities as noted by information from their official website.
An indictment is an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
