NJ Man Charged With Assaulting, Attempted Robbery of USPS Workers

A man from North Jersey has been indicted for allegedly assaulting and attempting to rob two U.S. Postal Service mail carriers last month.

U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger says 20-year-old Yeniser Cruz Perez of Paterson is facing two counts of assault and attempted robbery of persons having control over mail matter and government property.

According to Sellinger's office,

On Jan. 20, 2021, in Wyckoff, New Jersey, Cruz Perez approached Victim 1, a USPS mail carrier and demanded that the victim give him a USPS key that is used to access mail collection boxes and apartment panels. Cruz Perez displayed what appeared to be a firearm. Cruz Perez fled after learning that Victim 1 did not possess such a key.

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Authorities say later that day in Woodland Park, Cruz Perez approached another mail carrier and again demanded a key. Cruz Perez, again, pulled what appeared to be a gun from his clothes. He, again, fled after learning that carrier did not have the key.

Each count of assault and attempted robbery charged in the indictment carries up to a decade in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.