USPS worker arrested for allegedly stealing gift cards from mail

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A Randolph woman, hired by the United States Postal Service in 2020, was arrested and charged in connection with the theft of multiple gift cards in 2023, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced Friday.

Melissa Olson, 45, was hired by the USPS as a rural carrier associate at the Randolph Post Office. In May 2023, a $200 Visa gift card was found to be stolen by the USPS Office of Inspector General, according to officials. Olson allegedly used the gift card to make purchases at retail locations in the Randolph area, according to an investigation.

A complaint found that in June 2023, she also allegedly stole Walmart and Target gift cards from a greeting card sent through the mail.

Olson was charged with theft of mail by officer or employee, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and $250,000 fine.