A United States Postal Service supervisor has found herself on the wrong side of federal law after being taken into custody under suspicion of bank fraud for allegedly depositing over $281,000 in stolen checks from mail into her personal bank accounts. Joivian Tjuana Hayes, a 36-year-old resident of Compton and supervisor at the Costa Mesa Post Office, is facing serious charges following the affidavit alleging her involvement in the theft of more than 20 checks, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Central District of California.
Hayes is accused of using multiple banks to funnel the stolen checks. With an allegation professing a single check amounted to over $114,000, the stakes are indeed high. The thefts, which officials say began in July 2024, spotlight a grievous breach of public trust, especially within a service as staple as the post. According to the affidavit mentioned by the U.S. Department of Justice, ATM surveillance caught Hayes in the act of depositing the checks, which bore forged signatures. Locations like Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa, and Compton were pinned as sites of the deposit activities.
Held in addition to the bank fraud is the suspicion of pilfering a substantial amount in currency and gold coins from the mail, Hayes may have compounded her troubles. As agents dispatched search warrants at her home in Compton and a 2023 BMW, the evidence will likely unfurl a tale of deceit further. Despite the heft of the accusations, it's vital to note that a criminal complaint simply contains allegations, and Hayes maintains her presumption of innocence until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt, the U.S. Attorney's Office, Central District of California stated.
If judged guilty of these bank fraud accusations, Hayes could be staring down the barrel of a lengthy sentence that could extend to 30 years in federal prison. The case, shepherded by Assistant United States Attorney Charles E. Pell of the Orange County Office, was brought to light following an investigation by the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General.
