LOS ANGELES, CA – A U.S. Postal Service supervisor has been arrested on federal charges for allegedly stealing more than $281,000 in checks from the mail and depositing them into her personal bank accounts, authorities said Thursday.
Joivian Tjuana Hayes, 36, of Compton, was taken into custody following an investigation by federal officials. She faces one count of bank fraud in connection with the allegations, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Hayes, who worked as a supervisor at the Costa Mesa Post Office, is accused of stealing more than 20 checks from the mail since July 2024, according to a criminal complaint filed in federal court. Investigators said the checks were taken from mail processed through the Costa Mesa facility and deposited into her accounts at various financial institutions.
Court documents allege that Hayes altered the checks by forging the payees’ signatures before making deposits. One of the checks was worth more than $114,000, investigators said.
In addition to checks, Hayes is suspected of stealing cash and gold coins worth tens of thousands of dollars, which were also processed through the post office, authorities stated in the affidavit.
The investigation remains ongoing, and federal officials are continuing to examine the full scope of the alleged thefts.
If convicted, Hayes faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for bank fraud, according to prosecutors.
The arrest comes amid broader efforts to crack down on theft and fraud within the U.S. Postal Service, which has faced increased scrutiny over incidents of mail-related crimes. Authorities have emphasized their commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the postal system and protecting public trust.
Anyone with additional information related to this case is urged to contact federal authorities.
