Former Postal Clerk Pleads Guilty to Stealing Mail

NORFOLK, Va. – Trazzonna Jacobs, 27, of Virginia Beach, pleaded guilty today to one charge of stealing from the United States Mail.

In a statement of facts filed with the plea agreement, Jacobs, who worked as a postal clerk at the Bayside Postal Station in Virginia Beach, admitted to stealing a $100 gift card and $7,000 in cash from two separate packages.  According to court records, an investigation ensued when a postal customer complained of the missing gift card.  An investigation determined the gift card had been used at local retailers and surveillance video identified Jacobs as the individual redeeming the gift card. 

The Postal Service received another complaint against Jacobs when a postal customer had $7,000 in cash stolen from a package being sent overseas.  The customer identified Jacobs as the mail clerk who had handled her package.  The customer stated she informed Jacobs of the $7,000 in the box to ensure its safety.  When the package arrived, the money was missing. The package was provided to the United States Postal Inspection Service, Office of Inspector General, where it was sent off to be fingerprinted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  The U.S. Postal Inspection Service processed the package for fingerprints and Jacobs’ fingerprints were found on the inside of the package.

Ultimately, Jacobs confessed to her actions and admitted to stealing the items in question, as well as other gift cards, in order to help pay bills and support her family.

Jacobs was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 18, 2016. Jacobs faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison when sentenced on July 7, 2016. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Paul L. Bowman, Special Agent in Charge, United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, made the announcement after the plea was accepted by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph L. Kosky is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.  Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:16-cr-26.