Third Rochester Man Pleads Guilty To 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 Cordell James, 28, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal mail before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson.  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 James was employed by a U.S. Postal Service contractor at the Greater Rochester International Airport. While performing his job, the defendant conspired with two other individuals, co-defendants Michael Harris and Chansen Diaz, to steal gift cards and cash from the mail. The three men then used the stolen items to finance their lifestyles.
Michael Harris and Chansen Diaz were previously convicted and are awaiting sentencing.

Today’s plea is the result of a joint investigation by the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kenneth Cleevely, Eastern Area Field Office, Pittsburgh, PA, and Inspectors with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Boston Division Inspector-in-Charge Joseph W. Cronin.

Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date before U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer.

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