'Bored' Postal Worker Accused Of Stealing, Opening Mail To Escape Charges With $1,500 Fine

TAYLOR (WWJ/AP) - A postal worker accused of stealing as many as 2,000 pieces of mail in metro Detroit will avoid charges if she pays $1,500 and meets other conditions.

Court filings show the government dropped a criminal complaint against Sharon Berrien. Instead, she'll pay $50 a month toward her debt, perform 40 hours of community service and follow other requirements for one year.

A judge approved the deal Friday.

The investigation began in October when mail was found along Pelham Road and I-94 and given to the Taylor postmaster.

In November, 800 pieces were found in Berrien's trash. Three bags were inside a closet.

Investigators alleged that Berrien opened or stole mail, mostly greeting cards, looking for money or checks. After taking what she wanted, Berrien dumped the leftovers along the freeway, according to police.

Berrien says she kept $1,000 to $1,500. She told investigators that she was "bored" and didn't have any financial problems.

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