A former U.S. Postal Service mail carrier today admitted that he accepted cash bribes in return for intercepting and delivering parcels containing illegal narcotics, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
According to authorities, Leonard Gresham, 50, of Rahway, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Esther D. Salas in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of accepting bribes. He was released on $50,000 unsecured bond.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Gresham was a mail carrier at the USPS Springfield Station in Newark. From October 2014 through September 2017, Gresham accepted cash bribes from two individuals who were receiving parcels containing illegal narcotics through the mail.
While on duty, Gresham intercepted these parcels and personally delivered them to various locations in Newark other than to the recipient address noted on the parcels. Gresham received payments of between $50 and $200 from the individuals for each delivery.
Officials said Gresham received a total of $14,900 in cash payments in exchange for delivering parcels containing illegal narcotics.
The bribery charge is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 30, 2018.