By: Richard L. Smith
Two men have been charged with the armed robbery of a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.
Eddie Tyree James White, 26, of Delaware, and James Hammond-Smith, 26, of East Orange, New Jersey, are facing charges of robbing a mail carrier, with White additionally charged for theft of a postal key and mail.
Federal officials said the charges stem from an incident on November 28, 2022, when White allegedly approached a mail carrier in her USPS vehicle in Newark.
Displaying a firearm in his waistband, he demanded the carrier’s arrow key, a master key that grants access to multiple mail receptacles.
After obtaining the key, White fled on foot. Authorities report that Hammond-Smith drove White to the scene of the robbery.
White later used the stolen key to access mail receptacles, stealing checks and money orders.
The charges against the two men are serious.
The robbery and postal key theft charges each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, while the theft of mail charge carries a potential sentence of up to five years.
Each count also includes a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the financial impact of the crime, whichever is greater.
Both suspects appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessica S. Allen in Newark federal court.
Federal officials said Hammond-Smith was released on a $100,000 unsecured bond, while White was detained pending further legal proceedings.