Norfolk postal worker charged with mail theft

NORFOLK, Va. – When you send mail through the U.S. Postal Service, you expect it to be delivered. However, in too many cases, mail is stolen.

The WTKR News 3 investigative team continues to monitor issues with the U.S. Postal Service. We’ve learned that a postal worker in Norfolk is accused of stealing mail.

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The indictment states that in June and November 2023, 32-year-old Kiesha Brown allegedly stole a check from the mail. Then, in February 2024, she is accused of stealing and attempting to steal 28 pieces of mail.

The Office of Inspector General investigates when postal workers get in trouble for stealing mail. They say such cases are rare, but there are a small number of people who abuse the public trust.

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Their semiannual report to Congress covered data and other information from October 2023 to March 2024.

During this time, 193 arrests were made and 209 indictments were filed. Federal officials say most of the cases involved postal workers, but leaders of the Office of Inspector General emphasize that the number of arrests is a small fraction of the total number of workers, which is about 636,000.

Legal analyst Sonny Stallings said any type of mail theft is a problem, especially this time of year.

“We have the election coming up and right now we’re hearing about people stealing stuff from the post office,” Stallings said. “It’s very discouraging… It’s an attitude of trust and you’re taking something that’s been entrusted to you to deliver through the United States Postal Service. If you’re guilty, you should see the inside of a federal penitentiary.

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Brown was charged with three counts of mail theft.

USPS said she no longer works there, but was employed as a mail carrier from March 2013 to February 2024.

Attempts to reach her were unsuccessful.

Her arraignment is scheduled for Nov. 6 in federal court in Norfolk.