Postal employee charged with stealing checks at the place where he worked, investigators say

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A United States Postal Service employee is accused of stealing checks intended to pay Spring Branch ISD property taxes, and investigators say the case could lead to additional charges involving millions of dollars in compromised payments.

Eurey Smith was charged this week with mail theft after investigators allegedly found stolen mail in his possession, according to court proceedings.

Federal investigators spent months examining Smith's activities before his arrest.

Court documents state that when authorities arrested Smith, they found mail in his personal vehicle, including checks intended for the Spring Branch ISD tax assessor.

During a court hearing, a prosecutor outlined the allegations against Smith.

"It's alleged this defendant was found in possession of 12 pieces of mail, containing 5 checks issued to SBISD Tax assessor, and mailed to the post office where the defendant works. In addition, an ongoing investigation has found that over 220 checks totaling over 4 million dollars have been compromised, and the defendant will likely face additional higher charges."

Law enforcement officials said people who steal checks often alter them by changing the payee's name and then depositing the funds into their own accounts.

In this case, Spring Branch ISD said it worked with postal inspectors and the Memorial Villages Police Department during the investigation.

Smith worked at the post office on Town and Country Way, where investigators say they arrested him.

USPS confirmed Smith remains an employee but is not currently working at the post office.

Prosecutors asked the court to prohibit Smith from visiting any post office, particularly the one where he worked.

"We ask you to order him not to go to any post office, especially one at Town and Country Way."

Smith is expected to appear in court next week. Investigators believe additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues.