A third-shift postal worker is accused of changing the addresses of Lincoln residents and stealing mail in an attempt to gain credit card information.Ìý
The Lancaster County Sheriff's Office began investigating after getting a complaint from a Waverly woman on Jan. 25. She said her address was changed without her knowledge, and a credit card was opened in her name, Capt. Ben Houchin said Tuesday.Ìý
Investigators said the card was used at Wal-Mart, Target and Walgreens locations in Lincoln and Omaha. Surveillance footage from the businesses showed a man and his Ford Explorer, which led deputies to 43-year-old Domonic Harris, 3125 N. 70th St., Houchin said.Ìý
Harris has worked as a postal support employee at the Omaha processing and distribution center since October.
Deputies searched Harris' SUV and duplex Monday and said they found mail and identities of 50 potential victims, Houchin said.Ìý
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Only one credit card has been found to be fraudulently used, but he said there could be 50 to 60 victims. Harris is accused of making about $1,200 worth of purchases with the Waverly woman's card. Investigators wouldn't say what he bought, but said they found some of the items in his possession.
Deputy Curtis Reha said he believes Harris also used his employment with the post office to steal mail from residents in southeast and northeast Lincoln.Ìý
USPS spokesman Brian Sperry said Harris is on a non-duty, non-pay status pending the investigation.Ìý
"These allegations are very concerning," he said. "These actions – if true – are not consistent with and don’t represent the values of the Postal Service organization and its more than 500,000 employees, and will not be tolerated."
The sheriff's office, Lincoln police and postmaster continue to investigate.
They are trying to reach the 50 people whose mail was found. Reha said people should check their credit card statements and make sure they're still receiving mail.
Harris was arrested Tuesday and is in jail on suspicion of criminal possession of a financial transaction device, identity theft and unauthorized use of a financial transaction device. Houchin said investigators believe he is their only suspect.
The sheriff's office is looking for additional victims; investigators can be reached at 402-441-6500.