USPS employee stole more than $70,000 in Costco coupons from New York post office; a store worker ratted him out

Photo: NICHOLAS KAMM / AFP / Getty Images

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Gerome Fowler, an employee of the United States Postal Service. (USPS) was arrested and accused of stealing letters with reward certificates from Costco stores at the post office where he works in Bay Shore, Long Island (NY).

Authorities arrested Fowler, 32, on Monday and charged him with theft, criminal possession of stolen property and official misconduct, reported Fox News.

“It was a Costco worker who warned,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney. the suspect “He was cashing certificates on his own account and was wearing a postal uniform.”

Fowler appeared in the same uniform in court Tuesday with his hands handcuffed. He pleaded “not guilty” to the charges. He faces a maximum of seven years in prison for the main job.

“The hard work of the thousands of postal service employees should not be overshadowed by those who decide to compromise their integrity for personal gain.” said Steven Vargas, the deputy special agent in charge at the USPS.

Prosecutors said that over a six-month period, Fowler allegedly had more than $70,000 in Costco rewards in his membership account. Supposedly used for buy clothes and jewelry high-end at chain stores from Riverhead to Melville.

“Anyone who believes they should have recently received the rewards certificate should contact the Costco office. and Costco will make the appropriate referrals to my office,” said District Attorney Tierney. USPS said it was not commenting on administrative actions.

Fowler, who was released without bail, said nothing as he left court and is due back Aug. 25. His attorney, Robert Santucci, said he has known him for years and that he is an upstanding citizen with a clean record. “Everyone is innocent until proven guilty,” he stated.

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