Three U.S. Postal Service employees in New York City are facing serious charges after allegedly abducting an unconscious coworker and attempting to assault her inside a mail truck.
Daniel Jean, 38, Kirt Acala, 38, and Edward Chou, 40, have been charged with sexually motivated kidnapping. Jean also faces additional charges, including attempted rape and sexual abuse.
“As alleged in this indictment, these three postal workers dragged their incapacitated colleague out of a post office and into a mail truck, where one attempted to rape her,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg stated Wednesday. “We take investigations and prosecutions of sexual violence extremely seriously and have survivor-centered resources available. If you need assistance, please call 212-335-9373.”
The attack reportedly occurred in June 2023 during an after-work birthday party at a post office in Manhattan’s East Village.
According to the indictment, police responded to a 911 call and found Acala and Chou sitting in the front seats of the mail truck. Officers reported hearing banging and cries for help from the back, where Jean was inside with the victim.
All three suspects have pleaded not guilty.
While the USPS declined to comment on the charges, it acknowledged the ongoing investigation, stating, “At this time, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General is working closely with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.”
