A Gardena man has been sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for assaulting a United States Postal Service (USPS) employee last year. John Leomen Ross, 40, received the sentence from United States District Judge Dale S. Fischer after pleading guilty in November 2024 to one count of assault on a federal employee resulting in bodily injury.
Acting United States Attorney Joseph McNally commented on the case: “The defendant here violently attacked a postal employee who was hard at work doing his job. We are grateful to our law enforcement partners for their work helping obtain a prison sentence for this defendant.”
Matt Shields, Acting Inspector in Charge of the Los Angeles Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, emphasized their commitment to employee safety: “These dedicated letter carriers serve our communities daily, ensuring reliable mail delivery while facing various challenges on their routes. We remain committed to protecting the well-being of these carriers and holding accountable anyone who threatens their livelihood. No one should have to fear for their safety while performing their job.”
The incident occurred on February 21, 2024, when the victim was delivering mail in Gardena. Ross approached and stopped the USPS employee, upset over not receiving a package he believed was due. Ross asked that his mail be delivered to a specific Gardena residence where he was allegedly squatting.
Surveillance footage captured Ross attacking the USPS worker after an initial confrontation. The video shows Ross hitting the employee on the back of the head, striking him in the eye, and body slamming him to the ground.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service with Assistant United States Attorney Joshua J. Lee prosecuting the case.