Ex-Tacoma mail boss pilfered cash, gift cards meant for others. She could face prison
A former supervisor at a U.S. Postal Service distribution center in Tacoma has pleaded guilty to opening mail that wasn’t directed to her and stealing gift cards and money meant for at least 53 victims.
Faliu Titialii, 52, pleaded guilty Friday in U.S. District Court for the District of Western Washington to the delay or destruction of mail, a misdemeanor.
According to a plea agreement, Titialii was the supervisor of Distribution Operations at the USPS Tacoma Processing and Distribution Center in September and October 2023 when she stole at least $2,794.63 in gift cards and currency in incoming and outgoing mail processed at the facility. The document states she used the money on personal expenses.
Agents with the USPS Office of Inspector General interviewed Titialii at the facility in October that year. Records state she admitted to the theft and produced 13 stolen greeting cards and 11 gift cards from her bag while she was questioned. The cards were provided to investigators.
Titialii was placed on administrative leave that day, and she resigned Dec. 15, 2023. She had been employed by the USPS since 2014.
She attended her plea hearing remotely Friday via Zoom before Tacoma-based Judge David W. Christel. Court records filed in her case state that after she lost her job, she struggled to find work in Washington and moved back to central California.
Titialii is to be sentenced May 20. Delaying or destroying mail is punishable by up to a year of imprisonment and a fine of up to $100,000. She has one prior misdemeanor conviction from 1994.
A federal public defender assigned to Titialii’s case did not immediately respond Tuesday to a request for comment.
According to the plea agreement, Titialii agreed to not apply for future employment with the USPS. She also agreed she is responsible for paying at least $2,794.63 in restitution, and prosecutors might present evidence supporting an order for restitution for additional losses.
This story was originally published February 18, 2025 at 1:00 PM.
