FORMER USPS MAIL SORTER CHARGED WITH STEALING GIFT CARDS AND CASH FROM MAIL

For Immediate Release Case # TBA   March 18, 2010

Susan Kang Schroeder Public Affairs Counsel Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami Spokesperson Office: 714-347-8405 Cell: 714-323-4486

 

FORMER USPS MAIL SORTER CHARGED WITH STEALING GIFT CARDS AND CASH FROM MAIL

SANTA ANA – A former employee of the United Stated Postal Service (USPS) has been charged with stealing money, gift cards, and pre-paid calling cards from the mail by seeking out colored greeting card envelopes while sorting mail for distribution. Eveline Panganiban Galermo, 36, Bellflower, is charged with three felony counts of acquiring access cards to defraud, two felony counts of second degree commercial burglary, and one felony count of receiving stolen property. If convicted on all counts, she faces a maximum sentence of six years and four months in state prison. Galermo is expected to be arraigned April 13, 2010, at the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana. The time and Department are to be determined.

 

In March 2008, Galermo is accused of starting a job with USPS sorting mail at the Santa Ana Processing and Distribution Center. Between March and July 2008, the defendant is accused of stealing mail, including mostly colored envelopes of greeting card size. She is accused of removing the stolen mail from the rest of the mail and feeling the envelopes to determine the contents.

 

On several occasions, Galermo is accused of opening mail or hiding mail under her shirt and stealing the contents, including pre-paid calling cards, cash, and gift certificates. The defendant is accused of using stolen gift cards to purchase items at two Target stores.

 

The USPS Office of Inspector General began investigating the case after receiving complaints from numerous Orange County residents that cards and mail containing monetary gifts had not arrived. The victims in this case do not know each other.

 

Galermo is accused of having stolen mail and envelopes addressed to other people and locations in her trash outside of her home. As of Aug. 1, 2008, Galermo no longer works for USPS.

 

Deputy District Attorney Andrew Katz of the Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting this case.

 

                                                              

                                                             ###