A former U.S. Postal Service (USPS) sorting clerk from New York City has admitted to stealing over $100,000 worth of sports memorabilia from the mail. Shelby Dozier, 34, of the Bronx, pleaded guilty to theft of mail by a postal service employee, as announced by federal prosecutors in New Jersey.
Dozier began his employment with the USPS in August 2022, working as a sorting clerk in Clifton, New Jersey. During his tenure, several parcels destined for a consignment auction house in Clifton went missing. This company specializes in selling trading cards and sports memorabilia received from customers worldwide.
Investigations revealed that Dozier had stolen at least ten parcels containing valuable items, including trading cards of sports legends like Michael Jordan, Mickey Mantle, and Willie Mays, as well as jerseys worn by former NBA star Reggie Miller and autographed photos of tennis icon Rafael Nadal. Dozier has agreed to pay restitution amounting to $108,692.49 to the victims. He faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for April 22.
This case underscores the importance of stringent security measures within postal services to maintain public trust and ensure the safe delivery of valuable items.
Internal Mail Theft within the U.S. Postal Service (USPS)
In a recent case highlighting internal theft within the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), a former USPS sorting clerk has admitted to stealing sports memorabilia from the mail. This incident underscores ongoing concerns about mail security and the integrity of postal employees.
The USPS has faced multiple instances of internal mail theft in recent years. For example, in January 2023, a jury convicted James Earl Magee, a former USPS clerk in Las Vegas, for stealing a customer’s mail containing three money orders worth over $2,300, which he subsequently cashed for personal use.
Additionally, a report from the USPS Office of Inspector General (OIG) highlighted that some postal workers have been involved in stealing mail and packages, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current safeguards and the need for improved oversight.
In Queens, New York, an investigation spurred by U.S. Representative Grace Meng revealed that the USPS mismanaged safeguards intended to prevent mail theft. This mismanagement has led to increased incidents of mail theft in the area, further eroding public trust in the postal system.
These incidents have prompted calls for the USPS to strengthen its internal controls and enhance employee training to prevent future occurrences. The USPS OIG continues to investigate and address issues related to mail theft and employee misconduct to uphold the integrity of the postal service.
The recent admission by the former USPS sorting clerk regarding the theft of sports memorabilia adds to a series of internal challenges faced by the USPS. It highlights the critical need for ongoing vigilance, improved internal controls, and a commitment to maintaining the trust of the American public in the nation’s postal system.
