WOBURN – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan informed the public today that a former postal worker has been indicted for stealing more than 7,000 pieces of mail — including mail containing gift cards, cell phones, and Christmas cards and presents –from residents of Malden, Somerville, Medford and Melrose.

Steven Bozzi, 36, of Malden, was indicted on charges of breaking into a depository, larceny over $250 by a single scheme, and possession of burglarious tools.

The defendant is scheduled to be arraigned on June 25 in Woburn Superior Court.

“For several months, we allege, this defendant stole mail and parcels from post office collection boxes, taking personal cards, gifts and packages,” said District Attorney Ryan.  “Not only did this defendant allegedly defraud our postal service, he stole gifts and cards that were to be exchanged among families and loved ones during the holiday season.”

According to authorities, on January 22, 2014, Malden Police were contacted by a local business which reported that a man, allegedly identified as the defendant, was attempting to use a gift card that had been previously voided.  Malden Police contacted the USPS Postal Inspector because the defendant was a postal worker and an investigation was initiated.

Through the course of the investigation, postal investigators received information that the defendant was allegedly illegally accessing mail collection boxes at sites that were not part of his route.  Investigators also found discrepancies in the sign out procedures for keys allegedly used by the defendant to access mail collection boxes.

On February 1, 2014, police observed the defendant open and take mail from several blue collection boxes that he was not authorized to access.  The defendant was arrested by Malden Police and subsequently consented to a search of his home.

During that search, police discovered thousands of pieces of mail and stolen items. They recovered 7,689 pieces of mail– 5,156 of which had been opened–none of which belonged to the defendant or his family.  Among the stolen items recovered were a computer, six cellular phones, a Kindle, more than twenty gift cards, Massachusetts drivers licenses and identification cards, and thousands of items of personal mail.

All unopened mail was sent to postal authorities to be appropriately delivered.  All parties who believe their mail may have been stolen are asked to file a report with the USPS Office of the Inspector General by emailing their name, address, the date mail was sent, specific contents of the items mailed, and their value to prossi@uspsoig.gov.

These charges are allegations and defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The case was investigated by Malden Police, US Postal Inspectors of Boston, and the USPS Office of the Inspector General.

The prosecutor assigned to this case is Assistant District Attorney Jessica Noble. The Victim Witness Advocate is Kristin D’Agnelli.