Jacob D. Ortiz, 34, of Buffalo, pleaded guilty on Mar. 23 to assaulting a federal employee resulting in bodily injury, according to U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case highlights the dangers faced by United States Postal Service employees while performing their duties in the community.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen M. McCarthy said that on September 9, 2025, a USPS letter carrier approached a mailbox at a residence on Columbus Avenue in South Buffalo and saw Ortiz on the front porch. Without warning or provocation, Ortiz came down the steps and tackled the letter carrier to the ground before repeatedly punching them with his fists. The victim used their hands to protect their face as Ortiz struck their face, head, and midsection.
Ortiz briefly stopped but then charged again at the victim, who fled for safety while Ortiz gave chase but was unable to catch up. The letter carrier suffered injuries including a bump on the back of the head, contusions to other parts of the head and face, as well as bruises and scrapes on elbows and knees.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Boston Division under Acting Inspector-in-Charge Nicholas J. Bucciarelli.
Sentencing for Ortiz will be scheduled at a later date.
