Postal worker accused of stealing from mail

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A former U.S. Postal Service employee has been arrested and charged with stealing mail.

James Ludwig, 45, of Fairport, has been charged with theft of mail matter by a postal employee, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Ludwig is facing a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

On Dec. 27,  the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (OIG) received news of complaints of mail thefts on one mail route in Victor, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The route was assigned to Ludwig.

All the missing mail contained either cash or gift cards. One victim, who reported a gift card missing had the card identification number. The card was redeemed at a Rochester-area store and store officials were able to identify the person who redeemed the card.

OIG agents also placed a piece of outgoing mail containing two $25 gift cards in a mailbox along Ludwig’s route. The card was later used by Ludwig.

A surveillance video camera in Luwig’s government vehicle showed him picking out envelopes that appeared to contain greeting cards. He opened the envelopes and removed items from inside the envelopes.

Surveillance video also showed Ludwig “preparing two lines of a white powdery substance, which he appeared to ingest nasally through the use of a rolled dollar bill,” according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.