A Passaic County man was indicted today for assaulting and attempting to rob two U.S. Postal Service (USPS) mail carriers in January 2021, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
According to U.S. Attorney Sellinger, Yeniser Cruz Perez, 20, of Paterson, was charged by indictment with assault and attempted robbery of persons having control over mail matter and government property.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On January 20, in Wyckoff, Cruz Perez approached Victim 1, a USPS mail carrier and demanded that the victim give him a USPS key that is used to access mail collection boxes and apartment panels.
Cruz Perez displayed what appeared to be a firearm. Cruz Perez fled after learning that Victim 1 did not possess such a key.
Later that day, in Woodland Park, Cruz Perez approached Victim 2, another USPS mail carrier, and again demanded a USPS key.
Cruz Perez again pulled what appeared to be a firearm from his clothing. Cruz Perez again fled after learning that Victim 2 did not have the key.
Each count of assault and attempted robbery charged in the indictment carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.