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May 15, 2010

Mail carrier accused of repeated thefts

By ANDREA VanVALKENBURG Staff Writer

PLATTSBURGH — ▶ Postal service veteran arrested after six-month surveillance over complaint of missing gift card

A mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service has been suspended after he was allegedly caught stealing mail from his Plattsburgh route.

Authorities say Gregory J. O'Connell was arrested earlier this month after a six-month surveillance operation reportedly found that the 52-year-old Plattsburgh man was involved in the repeated theft of gift cards and other pieces of mail.

Plattsburgh City Police said the probe began in December after city residents complained that a Walmart gift card they were expecting had never arrived.

While investigating the complaint, authorities learned the card had already been cashed at the Plattsburgh Walmart.

When police reviewed security footage, they identified O'Connell, an almost 10-year postal employee, as their prime suspect.

After initiating a joint-agency surveillance operation, police then monitored O'Connell's alleged method and frequency of theft.

They now believe he had been pocketing mail for about five years.

O'Connell used to serve routes around Plattsburgh State and West End of the city.

Officials believe financial losses of the theft amount to several thousand dollars.

O'Connell is now facing four felony counts of fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property.

Police expect to file additional charges as more victims, including many college students, come forward.

Authorities believe O'Connell had been taking money "for his own benefit."

He has been released from custody on $5,000 cash bail.

Anyone who suspects that they may have been victimized is asked to call City Police at 563-3411.

E-mail Andrea VanValkenburg at: avanvalkenburg@pressrepublican.com

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