A Chicago man faces federal charges for the alleged assault and robbery of two postal carriers in the Chicago suburb of Forest Park. Devan Flax, 21, has been accused of attacking the postal workers on Nov. 25 and Nov. 28 last year, as well as robbing a pizzeria employee in Berwyn, Ill. on Nov. 26, according to an indictment by the U.S. District Court in Chicago.
Flax is currently detained and faces charges including assault, robbery, and various firearm charges. His arraignment took place on Oct. 16, 2024, where he entered a not guilty plea. A status hearing is scheduled for Nov. 20, 2024, announced by Morris Pasqual, the Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Ruth Mendonça, Inspector-in-Charge of the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The assistance in case came from multiple law enforcement partners.
In light of the charges, officials emphasized the importance of safety for postal service workers. "U.S. Postal Service employees delivering mail to the American people must be allowed to do so safely and securely," said Acting U.S. Attorney Pasqual in a statement released by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois. Mendonça reinforced the sentiment, highlighting the commitment to protect postal service employees and customers from harm.
While the indictment marks a significant step in the legal proceedings, it is imperative to remember it does not constitute proof of guilt. Flax currently retains the presumption of innocence until and unless proven guilty in a court of law, and the government carries the burden to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. The legal process is set to continue with the upcoming court date in November.
