John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ELIZABETH URBANI, 42, of West Haven, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today to theft of mail by a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employee.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Urbani was employed by the U.S. Postal Service and most recently was a mail carrier assigned to the New Haven Post Office. Beginning in December 2019, some USPS customers along Urbani’s mail route submitted complaints that their mail was missing or had been stolen. Subsequent investigation revealed that, in January and February 2020, Urbani opened approximately 125 pieces of mail and stole cash and gift cards contained within several of those mail pieces.
Judge Thompson scheduled sentencing for December 1, 2020, at which time Urbani faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
Urbani is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Keefe.
Individuals who believe they are a victim of mail theft may file a complaint by calling 888-USPS-OIG or by visiting www.uspsoig.gov/form/new-complaint-form