NEWARK, N.J. — Two men have been charged in connection with the armed robbery of a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced on Tuesday.
Eddie Tyree James White, 26, of Delaware, and James Hammond-Smith, 26, of East Orange, N.J., were charged with one count of robbery of a mail carrier. White faces additional charges of theft of a postal key and theft of mail. Both men appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessica S. Allen in Newark federal court, where Hammond-Smith was released on a $100,000 unsecured bond, and White was detained.
According to court documents, on Nov. 28, 2022, White approached a USPS mail carrier in Newark while she was in her postal vehicle. White reportedly showed a firearm in his waistband and demanded the carrier’s arrow key, a master key used to access mail receptacles. The mail carrier handed over the key, and White fled the scene on foot. Authorities allege that Hammond-Smith drove White to the robbery.
White is accused of later using the stolen key to access mail receptacles, stealing mail that included checks and money orders.
The charges of robbery of a mail carrier and theft of a postal key each carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. The theft of mail charge carries a maximum sentence of five years. Each charge also includes a potential fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.
