Former U.S. Postal Service Supervisor Steals Over $300K in Checks and Collectibles, Pleads Guilty

Joivian Tjuana Hayes, a former U.S. Postal Service supervisor, pleaded guilty to stealing over $300,000 in checks, gold, and collectibles. She stole items from the Costa Mesa Post Office between early 2024 and December 2024, depositing forged checks into her accounts. Hayes faces up to 20 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for May 23.

CONTENTS:

• California Postal Supervisor Pleads Guilty to Stealing Over $300K in Checks and Collectibles
• Former U.S. Postal Service Supervisor Pleads Guilty to Stealing Over $300K in Checks and Collectibles

Former U.S. Postal Service Supervisor Steals Over $300K in Checks and Collectibles, Pleads Guilty

California Postal Supervisor Pleads Guilty to Stealing Over $300K in Checks and Collectibles

A California-based U.S. Postal Service supervisor pleaded guilty to stealing checks, collectible currency, and other mail items, resulting in losses exceeding $304,000.

Joivian Tjuana Hayes, 36, of Compton, admitted to one count of mail theft by a postal employee and one count of unlawful transfer, possession, and use of identification, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.

As a customer service supervisor at the Costa Mesa Post Office, Hayes carried out the thefts between early 2024 and December 2024. She stole approximately $284,000 in checks and an additional $20,000 to $40,000 in other valuable items. Prosecutors revealed that she deposited the stolen checks into her accounts using banking apps and ATMs while wearing a Postal Service-logoed shirt.

Authorities searched Hayes’ home in December 2024, uncovering stolen gold coins, collectible bills, and other valuable items sent via registered mail. Items found included rare historical currency, a U.S. Treasury check, and a Jackie Robinson baseball card.

The investigation, initiated by the Postal Service’s Inspector General, began after reports surfaced between July and October 2024 about missing checks and money orders. Navy Federal Credit Union flagged suspicious deposits in Hayes’ accounts between May and July 2024, totaling over $210,000.

Hayes admitted to taking mail from post office boxes and incoming mail, then depositing stolen checks at multiple banks. She faces a maximum of five years in prison for mail theft and up to 15 years for unlawful transfer of identification. Her sentencing is set for May 23.

A U.S. Postal Service supervisor in California has pleaded guilty to federal charges after stealing over $300,000 in checks, collectibles, and other valuable items.

Joivian Tjuana Hayes, 36, admitted to one count of mail theft and one count of unlawful transfer, possession, and use of identification, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.

While working at the Costa Mesa Post Office, Hayes stole at least 20 checks worth approximately $284,000, which she deposited into her personal account by forging signatures. Additionally, she took around $3,000 in money orders, according to prosecutors.

Authorities also discovered stolen collectible gold coins and bills during the investigation. Hayes faces a maximum sentence of 15 years for the top charge and another five years for mail theft.

This case marks at least the third recent incident of a U.S. Postal Service employee stealing valuable mail. In October, a Connecticut worker admitted to stealing cash and gift cards before resealing the envelopes.

Former U.S. Postal Service Supervisor Pleads Guilty to Stealing Over $300K in Checks and Collectibles

Joivian Tjuana Hayes, a former U.S. Postal Service supervisor from Compton, faces up to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to stealing over $300,000 worth of checks, gold, and other valuable items from the Costa Mesa Post Office.

Hayes, 36, pleaded guilty to one count of theft of mail matter by a Postal Service employee and one count of unlawful transfer, possession, and use of identification. She admitted to stealing from mail at the post office from early 2024 until December 2024. The stolen items included approximately $284,000 in checks and up to $40,000 in gold coins, collectible currency, and other valuables.

As part of the scheme, Hayes deposited the stolen checks into her own accounts by forging signatures. Authorities found gold coins and historical U.S. currency, such as a $100 bill from 1914, during a search of her home in January.

Hayes was arrested on December 19, after federal agents searched her home. She is scheduled for sentencing on May 23, facing up to 15 years for the unlawful transfer charge and five years for theft.