Hoosier State Today

Justin Crain, a former U.S. Postal Service employee from Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 180 days of home detention for mail theft. The sentence also includes three years of probation, 40 hours of community service, and a $5,000 fine. Crain pleaded guilty to stealing money and gift cards while working as a Mail Processing Clerk at the Indianapolis Processing and Distribution Center.

The investigation began when the Postal Service's Office of Inspector General noticed that several mail items processed in Indianapolis had been opened before delivery. Surveillance footage showed Crain opening greeting cards and taking cash and gift cards. In just two hours, he was seen going through numerous mail items searching for cash. During an interview with investigators, Crain admitted to stealing around $5,000 over several months.

Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, stated: "The vast majority of Postal employees are dedicated to their important mission and serve the public admirably, delivering people’s private, important, and sensitive items." He added that Crain abused his position by stealing gifts meant for special occasions.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Wood. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt.