2.69 Embezzlement/Theft of Mail Matter by Postal Service Employee / 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1709 is the federal law that makes it a criminal offense for any Postal Service employee to steal, embezzle, or otherwise fraudulently take or convert to their own use, or to the use of another, any money, goods, or other property that has been received by or entrusted to them while in the performance of their postal duties. This offense also applies to those who fraudulently obtain or attempt to obtain any such property, or who conspire with anyone to do so. There are two types of 2.69 Embezzlement/Theft of Mail Matter by Postal Service Employee / 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1709: (1) Theft or embezzlement of mail matter, and (2) Fraudulent acquisition or attempted acquisition of mail matter. In either case, the offense is punishable by a fine, imprisonment for not more than five years, or both.