Former postal worker stole hundreds of credit cards, checks from mail

LOS ANGELES, CA – A former U.S. postal worker, Mary Ann McDermott, has pleaded guilty to charges of bank fraud after federal prosecutors in Southern California revealed a scheme involving stolen checks and credit cards. McDermott’s luxurious lifestyle, often flaunted on social media, was allegedly funded through these illegal activities.

Authorities were alerted in July after a tip to the Postal Service hotline led them to a Home Depot. Surveillance footage reportedly captured McDermott using a stolen credit card to make a purchase. A subsequent search of her apartment uncovered stacks of cash, over 100 credit and debit cards, 20 checks addressed to other individuals, and a loaded ghost gun. Luxury goods worth $21,000 were also seized.

Prosecutors detailed how McDermott would intercept debit and credit cards directly from the mail. She sometimes purchased the cardholders’ Social Security numbers to activate the cards, using fake phone numbers to conceal her identity during activation calls.

The investigation revealed McDermott’s confession, which prosecutors described as making the case against her “airtight.” She reportedly collaborated with others to cash checks and use stolen cards at stores like Apple, even selling unused cards for $500 each.

McDermott also targeted prepaid debit cards used in California for unemployment and disability payments. After pleading guilty, she agreed to surrender more than $8,000 in cash, along with a Rolex and designer items from brands like Hermes and Balenciaga.

As McDermott remains in custody, she faces up to 30 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for the fall. Evidence against her includes footage from a camera mounted inside her mail truck, which allegedly captured her sorting mail and taking items home.