Man Charged With Attempted Robbery Of Two USPS Mail Carriers

WYCKOFF, NJ — A man from Passaic County was indicted for assault and attempting to rob two U.S Postal Service (USPS) mail carriers in January 2021, according to U.S Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.

Yeniser Cruz Perez, 20, of Paterson was charged with two counts of assault and attempted robbery of persons having control over mail matter and government property.

According to a statement, Cruz Perez approached a USPS mail carrier in Wyckoff with what appeared to be a firearm, asking that the USPS employee give him the USPS key used to access mail collection boxes and apartment panels. Cruz Perez fled the scene after learning the USPS mail carrier was not in possession of the key.

Later that day in Woodland Park, Cruz Perez attempted again to take a USPS key from another USPS mail carrier. He fled again when the USPS mail carrier also did not have the key.

Each count of assault and attempted robbery charged in the indictment carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, according to the statement. There has not been a date determined for Cruz Perez’s arraignment.