Former Waltham postman indicted for allegedly stealing prescription medication

A former mail carrier was recently indicted for allegedly stealing medication bottles out of packages he was responsible for delivering to houses in Waltham.

The Department of Justice announced on Sept. 5 that Michael Vernon, a 52-year-old former Postal Service worker living in Somerville, had been arrested that morning on one count of theft of mail by an officer or employee. A spokesperson from the Waltham Police Department wrote that the WPD was not involved in the arrest.

Documents in the case allege that between June 2022 and January 2024, Vernon opened mail going to households on his route in Waltham and stole bottles of prescribed medication from packages he was carrying.

Vernon appeared in federal court on Sept. 5 to defend himself against the allegations, which were brought by a lawyer from the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit. 

The Department of Justice’s initial press release emphasizes that Vernon is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. 

If he is found guilty, he may face a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.