Crime & Safety

Malden Postal Worker Allegedly Stole Thousands of Letters, Christmas Gifts

The former letter carrier stole mail from residents in Malden, Somerville, Medford and Melrose, according to authorities.

A former Malden postal worker allegedly stole more than 7,000 pieces of mail, including Christmas gifts, from residents in Malden, Somerville, Medford and Melrose.

Steven Bozzi, 36, of Malden, was arrested Saturday and charged with larceny over $250, breaking into a depository, receiving stolen property, possession of a burglarious tool and possession of a Class B controlled substance, according to a Monday release from the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.

Bozzi was arraigned Monday in Malden District Court and held on $2,500 cash bail by Judge Dominic Paratore, according to the release.

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“For the past three months, we allege, this defendant has been stealing from post office collection boxes from several communities, stealing personal cards, gifts and packages,” Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said in a statement.

“Not only did this defendant allegedly defraud our postal service,” she continued, “he stole gifts and cards that were to be exchanged among families and loved ones during the holiday season.”

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As a result of the investigation, Malden police found 7,689 pieces of mail in Bozzi’s home, 5,156 of which had been opened, and none of which belonged to the Bozzi or his family, according to authorities.

Among the stolen items recovered were a computer, six cell phones, a Kindle, more than 20 gift cards, Massachusetts drivers licenses and ID cards, as well as thousands of items of personal mail, authorities said.

The investigation into Bozzi began on Jan. 22 when a local business contacted Malden police after Bozzi attempted to use a gift card that had been voided because the purchaser never received it in the mail, authorities said.

Malden police then contacted the U.S. Postal Inspectors of Boston and USPS Office of the Inspector General. Their joint investigation determined that Bozzi had been illegally accesses mail collection boxes at sites that were not on his route. 

On Saturday, police observed Bozzi take mail from several collection boxes and put it in his car, which he was not authorized to do, according to authorities.

Bozzi subsequently consented to the search of his home, where police discovered the thousands of pieces of mail and stolen items, according to the release.

All unopened mail is being sent to postal authorities to be delivered properly.

All parties who believe their mail may have been stolen are asked to file a report with the USPS Office of the Inspector General by emailing their name, address, the date the mail was sent, specific contents of the items mailed and its value to prossi@uspsoig.gov.


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