Compton, Calif. (AP) – Joivian Tjuana Hayes, a former United States Postal Service (USPS) supervisor, has pleaded guilty to charges of being a serial mail thief, admitting to stealing over $300,000 worth of checks, gold coins, and collectible currency while working at the Costa Mesa Post Office.
Hayes, 36, of Compton, stole checks from the mail and fraudulently deposited them into her own bank account by forging the payees’ names. Her criminal activities took place from early last year until her arrest in December. Authorities revealed that one of the checks Hayes stole was worth more than $114,000.
Surveillance video captured Hayes making deposits at ATMs located in Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, and Compton, with some footage showing her in a blue USPS shirt. In total, she deposited 20 stolen checks worth around $284,000 and also took $3,000 worth of postal money orders from the mail.
When federal agents searched Hayes’ home, they uncovered a collection of gold coins and collectible currency, including a $1 bill from 1917, a $100 bill from 1914, and a $5 gold piece. The total value of the stolen items is estimated between $304,000 and $324,288.
Hayes has been charged with theft of mail matter and unlawfully using means of identification. She faces up to 20 years in federal prison, with a sentencing hearing scheduled for May 23.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General.
