Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced on April 9 that a former U.S. Postal Service employee from Cook County has been charged with theft and forgery related to stolen checks in Chicago.
The case highlights concerns about public trust in the U.S. Postal Service and the need for accountability when employees are accused of abusing their positions. The Illinois Attorney General’s office said it advocates for vulnerable groups including workers, immigrants, and seniors, according to the official website.
Teneshya Harris, 36, faces four counts of theft by deception between $500 and $10,000 and four counts of forgery. Each charge is a Class 3 felony punishable by up to five years in prison if convicted. Prosecutors allege Harris stole checks from customers mailing them through the Postal Service while she was employed there. She is accused of forging checks to herself or increasing their amounts before depositing them into her personal bank account.
Raoul said, “Americans rely on the integrity and reliability of the U.S. Postal Service, and it is unacceptable that any Postal Service employee would abuse their position to take advantage of the public they are supposed to serve.” He continued: “I will continue to partner with federal agencies to hold individuals accountable when they defraud the public for their own personal financial gain.”
The indictment followed a referral from the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (OIG). Mary T. Johnson, acting inspector-in-charge for Chicago’s division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, said: “This indictment is a statement that mail theft will not be tolerated, and the perpetrators will be brought to justice… That is why the Postal Inspection Service will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to collectively pursue criminals who victimize postal customers.”
The Illinois Attorney General handles thousands of consumer complaints each year as reported by its official website. The office also aims to protect consumers, promote safer communities, advocate for environmental issues and rights matters across Illinois according to its official website.
In addition, partnerships with law enforcement support crime victims while promoting open government as noted by its official website. The Attorney General’s office provides services such as complaint filing related to consumer fraud or civil rights violations according to its official website.
Harris’ next court date is scheduled for May 7. The public is reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
