Buffalo man pleads guilty to attacking postal carrier

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a Jacob D. Ortiz, 34, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy to assaulting a federal employee resulting in bodily injury, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen M. McCarthy, who is handling the case, stated that on September 9, 2025, a United States Postal Service (USPS) Letter Carrier approached the mailbox of a residence on Columbus Avenue in South Buffalo and observed Ortiz on the front porch of the house. Without any warning or provocation, Ortiz descended the front steps and lunged toward and tackled the letter carrier (victim) to the ground. Ortiz then began punching the victim repeatedly with his fists, forcing the victim to use their hands to protect their face as Ortiz delivered punches to the victim's face, head, and midsection. Ortiz temporarily stopped, but then charged a second time, forcing the victim to flee the scene for their own safety. Ortiz gave chase but was unable to catch up, allowing the victim to get to safety. As a result, the victim sustained bodily injury, including a bump on the back of the head, several contusions to other parts of the head and face, and bruises and scrapes to their elbows and knees.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Boston Division, under the direction of Acting Inspector-in-Charge Nicholas J. Bucciarelli.

Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

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