In February of 2023 3 District (Welland / Pelham) uniform officers with Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) began a fraud investigation in the City of Welland.
The initial investigation determined that two prepaid credit cards in the complainant’s name were to be sent by letter mail to their home. When the cards did not arrive, the complainant determined the cards had been used in various stores in Welland to make purchases. Security footage from mid-February showed an unknown female making a purchase while wearing a Canada Post uniform.
The investigation was assigned to detectives from the 3 District detective office. During the following investigation detectives worked closely with Canada Post’s Postal Inspectors and were able to identify a suspect.
On August 15, 2023, detectives arrested and charged Katie Lee Walmsley (45 yrs.) of Welland with the Criminal Code offences of:
Theft of Mail (2 Counts) Unauthorized Use of a Credit Card (2 Counts)
Walmsley was later released on a Form 10 Undertaking with a future court date of September 22, 2023, at the Welland Courthouse at 102 East Main Street in Welland.
Walmsley was employed by Canada Post as a letter carrier in the City of Welland. Her duties included sorting and delivering mail to residences and businesses in the area of Fitch Street and Wilson Road. She delivered on the same route since August of 2022. Roads / streets on Walmsley’s route include:
Loyalist Drive, Maureen Avenue, Westwood Crescent, Donna Marie Drive, Leonard Avenue, Lisa Court, Jennifer Court, Plaza Way, and Westdale Drive
Detectives continue to work closely with the Canada Post Security and Investigation team on this investigation.
The investigation remains ongoing. Detectives believe there are other unknown complainants from Walmsley’s delivery route and more charges are anticipated. Members of the public who did not receive letter mail of value (e.g., credit cards / gift cards) should contact detectives. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009077.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.
Click Here for Crime Stoppers Online
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