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Postal supervisor in Costa Mesa admits stealing more than $300,000 in checks and gold, currency

February 8, 2025

A U.S. Postal Service Supervisor from the Costa Mesa Post Office has admitted to stealing more than $250,000 in checks and $40,000 worth of gold coins and currency from the U.S. mail, federal prosecutors announced on Friday, Feb. 7.

Joivian Tijuana Hayes, 36, of Compton pleaded guilty to one count of theft of mail matter by a postal service employee and one count of unlawful transfer, possession and use of means of identification.

Hayes, as part of her plea deal, admitted to stealing mail from the Costa Mesa Post Office on Adams Avenue beginning in early 2024, including checks she forged and deposited in her own bank accounts.

That includes at least 20 checks worth approximately $284,000, prosecutors said, and $3,000 in postal money orders. At times while depositing the money at an ATM, Hayes was caught on security footage wearing a blue t-shirt with the USPS logo.

A search of Hayes’ residence turned up multiple gold coins and bills of U.S. currency that people had sent through registered mail. Those items reportedly included a $1 bill dating back to 1917 that had a sticky note on it listing its value as $675, prosecutors said, as well as a $100 bill from 1914 valued at $4,500 and a $10 Confederate States of America bill.

Federal agents during the search of Hayes’ home also found various gold pieces — including one worth $1,600 — and a U.S. Treasury check for $2,599, according to the plea deal.

Hayes is scheduled to return to federal court for sentencing on May 23.

Orange County Register

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Postal supervisor in Costa Mesa admits stealing more than $300,000 in checks and gold, currency

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