Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert Laurino today announced that a Newark mail carrier, Kevin Jones, has been charged with allegedly stealing gift cards and DVD’s intended for a postal recipient. Additionally, Jones was observed stealing mail from the Newark post office box of State Senator Ronald Rice. The United States Postal Service received cooperation and assistance from Senator Rice during the course of this investigation.
Kevin Jones, 56, of Newark has been charged with third-degree theft and third-degree receiving stolen property.
This arrest was the result of a joint investigation between the United States Postal Service and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. This arrest marks the fifth time this year that a postal employee in Essex County has been charged with a similar offense as a result of the cooperative efforts of the United States Postal Service and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.
He has been arrested on a warrant and bail was set for $10,000. If convicted of the charges, he could face up to five years in prison.
Acting Prosecutor Laurino commended lead Detective Elizabeth Bazan of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Corruption Unit along with the Special Agents from the U.S. Post Office for the investigation.
These are mere accusations the defendant is deemed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
