Nationwide — Adrienne Braziel, an African American postal worker from Austell, Georgia, was arrested for stealing gift cards from the mail she was delivering. Police say surveillance footage shows her using the stolen cards at multiple businesses over several months.
The investigation started when the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General reported missing AT&T rewards cards worth $500 each from two homes in the same Austell neighborhood. Police quickly zeroed in on Braziel after reviewing security camera footage.
Video shows Braziel, still in her postal uniform, using the stolen cards at several locations between September 10 and December 14. Investigators say the footage clearly identified her as the person responsible for the thefts.
According to WSB-TV, body camera footage shows Braziel being arrested on her delivery route by police and USPS agents. During questioning, she reportedly claimed someone else was behind the theft, but agents noted she personally benefited from the cards.
“She tried to say that some guy put her up to it, and he was benefiting from it,” the USPS agent says in the video. “I’m like, ‘How’s he benefiting from it? You’re the one going to the beauty salons.’”
Braziel, 31, is no longer employed with the USPS. She faces two counts of financial transaction card fraud and has been released on bond.
Authorities continue to urge caution as investigations into mail theft remain active. Postal officials now recommend sending gift cards or money digitally to prevent similar incidents.