Two U.S. Postal Service workers are accused of stealing nearly $15,000 in checks from mail they were assigned to deliver in Brooklyn, according to Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez.
Prosecutors allege that Nicole Bernard and Kenisha Hazzard took checks from residents along their mail delivery routes in East New York and deposited them into their personal bank accounts. The alleged thefts affected 10 victims.
Both women have been arraigned on separate indictments and face theft-related charges. They were released without bail and are expected to return to court separately in December.
Prosecutors Detail Alleged Check Thefts
According to prosecutors, Bernard worked as a city carrier at the U.S. Postal Service’s East New York Station, located at 2645 Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn.
She is accused of stealing multiple checks between March 2023 and Jan. 4, 2024. Investigators allege that the checks were taken from mail she was responsible for delivering.
Bernard was arraigned on Oct. 6. She faces charges including criminal possession of a forged instrument, multiple counts of grand larceny and petit larceny.
Hazzard also worked at the East New York Station, serving as a city carrier assistant. Prosecutors allege that she stole seven checks between Oct. 6 and Oct. 31, 2023.
Hazzard was arraigned on Monday and charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument, petit larceny and attempted petit larceny.
The allegations against the two women involve separate indictments. Prosecutors say the alleged thefts affected 10 people, although the available information does not specify how the losses were divided among the victims.
Both Defendants Released Without Bail
Bernard and Hazzard were released without bail following their arraignments. Each is expected to appear in court separately in December.
The charges outline the allegations against the defendants, but they do not establish guilt. Both women are entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.
The case highlights allegations involving checks taken from mail entrusted to postal workers for delivery. Checks stolen from the mail can expose victims to financial losses and potential complications involving their bank accounts.
Residents who suspect that a check has been stolen or fraudulently deposited should contact their bank promptly to discuss available protective measures and report suspected fraud to the appropriate authorities.
Further details about the alleged financial losses, the identities of the victims and the next court proceedings were not provided in the available information.