A former postal worker has been charged with federal crimes for allegedly stealing mail.
Jamie Guhlke, 55, of Federal Way, pleaded not guilty to three counts of theft of mail by an officer or employee at her initial appearance on the indictment on April 16, according to a media release from U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes.
According to records filed in the case, in 2015, while employed as a mail handler at the United States Postal Service Priority Mail Annex in Kent, Guhlke allegedly stole as many as 44 packages mailed by an online electronics distributor to customers across the country. The packages contained digital devices, including Apple iPads and Samsung Galaxy tablets. The thefts interfered with operations at the Priority Mail Annex, which is responsible for processing the vast majority of Priority Mail that originates in Washington state. Law enforcement traced two of the devices to a local pawn shop and determined that other items were sold via the online marketplace OfferUp.
An additional device was found in Guhlke’s possession, according to the release. When Guhlke left work on August 27, 2015, her car was stopped by Special Agents of the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General. The stolen device was visible on the front passenger seat of the car. Following the traffic stop, Guhlke was barred from postal service property and her employment was terminated.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Siddharth Velamoor. Trial is scheduled for June 25 in front of Judge James L. Robart.