Law Enforcement Today

Three U.S. postal workers, Daniel Jean, Kirt Acala, and Edward Chou, are facing indictment for allegedly kidnapping a female colleague with the intent to sexually assault her in June 2023. Jean is also facing separate charges of rape. The incidents reportedly took place on June 8 during an after-work party in Manhattan's East Village, according to an indictment filed in New York State Supreme Court.

The indictment alleges that the three men dragged their incapacitated colleague into the back of a mail truck after she lost consciousness during the party. The victim recalled feeling woozy and unable to move as she was molested by Jean at the Post Office before being forcibly taken by Acala and Chou to the vehicle.

District Attorney Alvin Bragg emphasized the severity of the allegations, stating that the postal workers' actions were particularly egregious, highlighting the betrayal of trust involved in assaulting a coworker in such a manner.

When NYPD officers responded to the scene, they discovered Acala and Chou in the front of the mail truck, where they refused to open the back despite hearing banging and cries for help. Jean reportedly exited the vehicle with his pants unzipped, while the victim was found in the truck with her pants similarly unfastened.

Acala and Chou face charges of second-degree kidnapping, as well as kidnapping as a sexually motivated felony, whereas Jean faces a more extensive list of charges, including attempted first-degree rape, sexual abuse, and forcible touching, among others. The case has drawn significant attention due to its serious nature and the involvement of individuals within a government agency.