Ontario Woman Charged With Stealing Mail

CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Jenna Vandemortel, 29, of Ontario, NY, was charged by criminal complaint with theft of mail. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Field, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in March and April 2020, the defendant was observed on several occasions stealing outgoing mail from various mailboxes. Vandemortel was also captured on surveillance video cashing stolen and altered checks at Wegmans stores. To date, 38 checks with an aggregate value of $2,557.57 have been identified as stolen and cashed by the defendant.

Vandemortel made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson and was released on conditions pending further proceedings.

The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Joseph W. Cronin of the Boston Division; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Barry Chase; the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Barry Virts; and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.  

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