Holyoke postal worker nabbed for stealing prescription drugs

By G. Michael Dobbs

news@thereminder.com

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Police arrested a postal employee who had been stealing prescription drugs shipped through the mail.

Lt. Matthew Moriarty reported that on Jan. 15, "A multi-department investigation was conducted by the Holyoke Police Narcotics Division, U.S. Postal Inspectors and the Department of Veterans' Affairs" led to the arrest of Daniel Jankowiak.

Moriarty said, "Narcotics detectives had been advised Jankowiak was stealing prescription drugs that were being sent through the mail. Jankowiak was arrested while working at the Holyoke Post Office, located on Dwight Street. Several pieces of mail, which did not belong to Jankowiak, were located among his belongings."

Jankowiak, a South Hadley resident, was charged with trafficking Class A substance (Oxycodone), possession of Class A substance, receiving Stolen Property and possession of Class E substance.

Holyoke police also arrested Alex Echevarria on Jan. 15 in an alley next to 131 Suffolk St.

Moriarty said, "As detectives were doing a check of the area, Echevarria asked the officers what time it was. Det. Jared Hamel recognized Echevarria and was aware of a warrant for his arrest. As Echevarria was placed under arrest, the detectives took notice of a hospital band on his wrist. Echevarria advised the detectives he was jumped the previous night and went to the hospital but refused to identify the people that had attacked him."

Heroin and cocaine were found in his possession.

Echevarria, a Holyoke resident, had a warrant for his arrest for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (knife) and armed robbery (knife used), possession of Class A substance (heroin) and possession Class B substance (cocaine).