Earlier today, a federal jury in Brooklyn found Quadri Garnes guilty of transmitting threats to injure. The trial, which lasted five days, was presided over by United States District Judge Nina R. Morrison. Garnes could face up to five years in prison when sentenced.
The verdict was announced by Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Daniel B. Brubaker, Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service's New York Division.
United States Attorney Peace stated: "The defendant used threats of violence as a weapon to terrorize government employees because he couldn’t get what he wanted and today, the jury’s verdict spoke loudly that such conduct will not be tolerated." He emphasized his office's commitment to protecting civil servants from work-related threats through vigorous prosecution.
Brubaker added: “Today’s guilty verdict should signal to anyone who makes threats of violence against federal employees... that your actions will absolutely not be tolerated on any level." He assured that postal inspectors and law enforcement partners would ensure justice is served against those threatening dedicated employees.
Evidence presented at the trial showed that Garnes worked as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service (USPS) at the Homecrest post office in Brooklyn from March 26, 2022, until May 29, 2022. After crashing his postal truck into two vehicles, he was terminated on May 31, 2022. When Garnes applied for unemployment benefits afterward, they were denied due to his short tenure with USPS.
On September 29, 2022, after being informed by the New York State Department of Labor (DOL) about his ineligibility for benefits due to insufficient work duration with USPS, Garnes made threats during a recorded call with DOL employees. His statements included intentions to shoot USPS and DOL staff members and make a scene at their offices.
These threats prompted immediate responses from DOL officials and law enforcement agencies like the New York State Police and Postal Inspectors. Precautions were taken against any potential return by Garnes to both his former postal facility and named DOL offices. Approximately two weeks later, authorities arrested him.
Assistant United States Attorneys Antoinette N. Rangel and Alexander Mindlin are leading the prosecution with support from Paralegal Specialist Rebecca Roth.