Postal Workers Accused Of Stealing Hundreds Of iPhones
WEST SACRAMENTO (CBS13) -- Two postal workers are facing dozens of charges in connection with an alleged conspiracy to steal hundreds of iPhones from a West Sacramento distribution center, according to federal prosecutors.
The two suspects, identified as 27-year-old Saravy Yem of Stockton and 27-year-old Angel Pantoja-Lopez of North Highlands, have been accused of opening packages containing AT&T iPhones and then smuggling the hi-tech devices from the USPS West Sacramento Processing and Distribution Center.
Investigators found approximately 300 empty iPhone parcels at the facility, according to U.S. Attorney Benjamin Wagner's office.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment containing 61 charges of mail theft and conspiracy to steal mail against Yem and Pantoja-Lopez. Each theft charge carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison, if the men are convicted.
Pantoja-Lopez admitted to CBS13's Tony Lopez in a phone conversation that he is guilty of the crime, but regrets his actions.
The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General began the investigation after numerous reports of the missing smart phones accumulated over several months.
"Let the charges against these employees serve as an example of how seriously the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General takes their responsibility in protecting the integrity of the United States mail," said special agent-in-charge Nichole Cooper in a statement issued Thursday evening.
