Cleveland, Ohio – A shocking video has surfaced showing a United States Postal Service (USPS) employee in full uniform assaulting a 10-year-old girl outside an elementary school in Cleveland, sparking public outrage over the lack of criminal charges—seven months after the incident occurred.
The altercation happened on September 23, 2024, just after school had ended for the day at Ben Franklin Elementary School. The child was reportedly walking home when the violent encounter began.
What the Video and Police Report Reveal
The disturbing video, obtained by WOIO, shows the postal worker wrestling the young girl to the ground near the school premises. According to the police report, the victim had been hit with a backpack by another girl, after which that girl’s mother joined in the fight.
That’s when the USPS worker allegedly stepped in, shouting profanity at the child and physically attacking her.
“She called the child the ‘B-word’ and pushed her to the ground, causing her to hit her head on a tree,” the report said.
The officer recommended multiple charges against the postal worker, including:
- Assault
- Child endangerment
- Delinquency of a child
- Criminal activity on school property
Despite these recommendations, no charges were filed at the time.
How the Case Fell Through the Cracks
It wasn’t until April 2025, seven months later, that the story came to light in local news. Investigations by WOIO revealed that a clerical error prevented charges from being processed.
The Cleveland Metropolitan School District had mistakenly sent the charging documents to the county prosecutor’s office, which only handles felony-level offenses. Since the recommended charges were misdemeanors, the documents should have gone to the city prosecutor’s office.
By the time the error was discovered—after media inquiries—the city prosecutor had never even seen the report. A spokesperson said they only became aware of the case after WOIO contacted them. Since then, the school district has resubmitted the case, and the city prosecutor is now reviewing the charges.
USPS Response: “Not Our Jurisdiction”
When asked about the incident, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General responded by saying the matter falls outside their authority.
“The employee was off the clock, merely wearing her postal uniform,” said Ian Ortega, USPS Inspector for the Cleveland field office.
“This is a matter for local law enforcement.”
What Happens Next?
At the moment, it is unclear whether charges will be filed against the USPS worker. The case is now in the hands of the Cleveland city prosecutor’s office, but no formal action has been taken yet.
The school district still wants charges to be filed, and many in the local community are demanding accountability and justice for the young girl.