Chicago Mail Carrier Charged with Stealing and Forging Customer Checks

Teneshya Harris accused of taking checks from outgoing mail and depositing them into her own account

Apr. 9, 2026 at 7:38pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled, torn envelope with a faint postmark, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the violation of postal integrity.A postal worker's alleged theft of customer checks exposes vulnerabilities in the public's trust of the U.S. mail system.Chicago Today

A 36-year-old Chicago woman who worked as a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier has been charged with theft by deception and forgery for allegedly stealing checks from customers' outgoing mail and depositing the money into her personal bank account, according to Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul.

Why it matters

This case highlights the public's reliance on the integrity of the U.S. Postal Service, and the serious consequences when an employee abuses their position to defraud customers for personal financial gain. It also underscores the need for robust oversight and accountability measures to prevent such abuses of trust.

The details

Authorities say Teneshya Harris took checks from the mail, made them payable to herself, or altered the dollar amounts before endorsing and depositing them into her own account. The U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General referred the case to the Illinois Attorney General's office.

  • The alleged thefts and forgeries occurred over an unspecified period of time.
  • Harris was charged on April 9, 2026.

The players

Teneshya Harris

A 36-year-old Chicago woman who worked as a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier and is accused of stealing and forging customer checks.

Kwame Raoul

The Illinois Attorney General who announced the charges against Harris.

U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General

The federal agency that referred the case to the Illinois Attorney General's office.

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What they’re saying

“'Americans rely on the integrity and reliability of the U.S. Postal Service, and it is unacceptable that any Postal Service employee would abuse their position to take advantage of the public they are supposed to serve.'”

— Kwame Raoul, Illinois Attorney General

What’s next

Harris faces four counts of theft by deception and four counts of forgery, all Class 3 felonies. The case will proceed through the criminal justice system.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical importance of maintaining public trust in the U.S. Postal Service and the need for robust oversight to prevent employees from exploiting their positions for personal financial gain. It serves as a reminder that such abuses of power will be swiftly investigated and prosecuted.