Postal worker arrested for fraud and money laundering

Sarasota police investigators are warning citizens and businesses they may be victims of fraud following the arrest of a U.S. Postal Service employee. 

Anabel Ossombi, 27, of Bradenton, has been arrested and is facing several felony charges, including criminal use of personal identification, scheming to defraud more than $70,000 and money laundering. 

Ossombi has been employed by the USPS since May 2022 as a mail sorter. She was taken into custody on April 19 at the post office on Beneva Road.

Sarasota police detectives and the USPS Office of Inspector General began a check fraud investigation in January 2023 after two victims said two customer checks were not received. The victims told detectives the businesses mailed checks  as payment for products purchased, but they were never received. They also reported the checks had been deposited into unknown accounts.

Detectives obtained and submitted certified subpoenas for bank records to begin their investigation, finding that 75 checks totaling $70,109.28 were fraudulently deposited, including approximately 60 victim complaints. 

Detectives believe the crimes occurred between May 2022 and April 2023.

During the investigation, managers or accountants of 13  companies said checks were fraudulently deposited into Ossombi’s account. All 13 said they mailed checks through USPS, which were either picked up by a carrier or dropped off at one of three locations in Sarasota. Detectives confirmed Ossombi worked at all three locations during her employment.

Detectives believe there may be more victims in this case. Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Jessica Sullivan at 941-263-6076 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS or online at SarasotaCrimeStoppers.com.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service offers these tips to protect yourself and your mail:

• Promptly pick up mail.
• Inquire about overdue mail.
• Do not send cash.
• Arrange for prompt pickup.
• Use hold for pickup.
• Request signature confirmation.
• File a change of address with the Postal Service and financial institutions when moving.