Jacob D. Ortiz, 34, of Buffalo, pleaded guilty on Mar. 23 to assaulting a federal employee resulting in bodily injury, according to U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case concerns an incident that took place on September 9, 2025, when a United States Postal Service letter carrier was delivering mail on Columbus Avenue in South Buffalo. According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen M. McCarthy, Ortiz approached the letter carrier without warning or provocation and tackled the victim to the ground before repeatedly punching them with his fists.
McCarthy said that after initially stopping the attack, Ortiz charged at the victim again, forcing them to flee for safety. Although Ortiz gave chase, he was unable to catch up with the victim who managed to escape and get help.
As a result of the attack, the letter carrier suffered injuries including a bump on the back of their head, contusions on other parts of their head and face, as well as bruises and scrapes on their elbows and knees.
The investigation into this incident was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Boston Division under Acting Inspector-in-Charge Nicholas J. Bucciarelli.
Sentencing for Ortiz will be scheduled at a later date.
