Date: 05-04-2014

Case Style: United States of America v. John J. Bonney

Case Number: 1:13-cr-00458-REB

Judge: Robert E. Blackburn

Court: United States District Court for the District of Colorado (Denver County)

Plaintiff's Attorney: Kirsten Sinclair

Defendant's Attorney: Robert William Pepin - FPD

Description: DENVER – A U.S. Postal Service city carrier working in Golden, Colorado was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Robert E. Blackburn for theft of United States Mail by employee. The former Postal Service city carrier, John J. Bonney, age 37, of Westminster, Colorado was sentenced to serve 2 years probation. He resigned from his position, which he held for 15 years, during the course of the criminal investigation.

Bonney was indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver on November 5, 2013. He pled guilty before Judge Blackburn on January 16, 2014. He was sentenced on May 29, 2014.

According to the stipulated facts contained in the plea agreement, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS OIG) initiated an investigation after receiving a complaint from a Golden, Colorado resident that four envelopes that were deposited in a Postal Service collection box never reached their intended location. One of the envelopes contained a $100 gift card for Home Depot. The complainant determined the gift card was redeemed at a Home Depot in Westminster, CO. USPS OIG special agents went to the Westminster Home Depot, and after reviewing store surveillance video footage, identified a male wearing a Postal Service uniform as the individual who redeemed the gift card.

The individual in the photographs was later identified as Postal Service city carrier John Bonney. USPS OIG agents then determined Bonney was assigned to pick up mail from the collection box where the missing greeting card was placed on the day the envelopes were deposited. Investigators continued their investigation, including a test to see if Bonney stole mail he delivered. That investigation revealed that he did not. Additional investigation, including conducting video surveillance, revealed he placed certain pieces of mail he picked up in a personal blue duffle bag. He would then put that bag in his personal vehicle before returning his postal vehicle to the parking area.

When Bonney attempted to leave on the day of the video surveillance, USPS OIG special agents stopped him, identified themselves, and then placed him under arrest. Bonney gave consent for the USPS OIG agents to search his vehicle, where they found the blue duffle bag. After his arrest and subsequent subject interview, it was determined that Bonney started stealing mail in December of 2012.

“A long-time Postal Carrier can throw their career away, and become a federal felon, for stealing mail,” said U.S. Attorney John Walsh. “It is important that cards sent to celebrate holidays, provide a gift for a friend or relative, or compensate someone for work done, arrive at their intended destination. When they don’t, it is important to determine why, and hold those that have prevented it accountable.”

Executive Special Agent in Charge Pete Gately said, “The American public trusts the U.S. Postal Service to deliver their letters and parcels on time and intact. When an employee of the Postal Service violates that trust, as Mr. Bonney did, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS OIG) thoroughly investigates those matters. The USPS OIG and U.S. Attorney’s Office remain committed to holding anyone responsible for the theft of U.S. Mail accountable, as was demonstrated by the sentencing of Mr. Bonney. The public we serve can rest assured that the USPS OIG will continue to protect their mail and maintain America’s confidence in the integrity of the U.S. Postal Service.”

This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations.

This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirsten Sinclair.

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