The Maywood Police Department launched an investigation in September 2024 after several residents reported that checks they mailed at the West Pleasant Avenue post office had been stolen, altered, and cashed or deposited.
Detective Benjamin Singer uncovered 18 cases of check fraud, revealing a scheme in which checks were altered to increase amounts and change payees. The investigation pointed to three suspects, including 46-year-old postal worker Fatimah S. Decker from Jersey City.
On December 20, Detective Singer, along with the United States Postal Inspection Service, arrested Decker at the USPS Distribution Center in Jersey City. Surveillance footage showed her cashing a stolen check originally written for $25, which had been altered to $7,300. Decker faces charges of forgery and receiving stolen property and was released pending a court appearance at the Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack.
Two other suspects were also charged in connection with the stolen checks: • Chaz J. Nicholas, 30, from the Bronx, NY – Forgery and receiving stolen property. • Oscar G. Vega-Genao, 35, from Kearny, NJ – Forgery and receiving stolen property.
Authorities stressed that these charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Maywood Police Department thanked the United States Postal Inspection Service for their help in the investigation.
