Mahwah Postal Worker Pocketed Gift Cards, Police Charge

MAHWAH, N.J. – A postal worker swiped gift cards and credit cards from residents and used them for herself – sometimes while on duty, Mahwah police said.

Jaleesa S. Smith
Photo Credit: *MUGSHOT: Courtesy MAHWAH PD*

Jerry DeMarco

08/03/2016 11:58 a.m.

A joint investigation with U.S. Postal Service led to the arrest of 27-year-old Jaleesa S. Smith of Orange on theft charges as she completed her rounds at the township post office, Police Chief James N. Batelli said Wednesday.

Smith, who got the Mahwah route last September, “admitted to her involvement in the theft of gift/rebate cards that were intended to be delivered to residences,” he said.

Smith found the cards – Visa, Master Card, Costgo gift cards, etc. – by feeling the envelope, the chief said.

At least twice she used a card in Mahwah and Newark, Batelli said, adding that she was wearing her uniform when store surveillance cameras caught her using the cards.

Smith was released without bail pending an Aug. 19 initial court appearance.

Batelli asked that anyone who believes they might have been victimized by Smith between September 2015 and August 2016 call Detective Kevin Hebert at (201) 529-1000 ext. 220 or U.S. Postal Inspectors.

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