A San Jose postal inspector has been arrested over accusations he was stealing and destroying mail, according to a criminal complaint.

Quan Howard served as a supervisor at the downtown post office on St. John Street.

Prosecutors said they have Howard on video stealing items like gift cards, prescription pills, two silver bars, passports, marijuana and $5,000 in cash.

Howard is accused of asking an employee to let him know when open or damaged mail arrived at the post office. His request violates post office policy, officials said.

Agents began videotaping the mail room where the alleged thefts occurred in May 2013. The videos show Howard rummaging through mail on several occassions, officials said.

Howard was a key witness in the prosecution of former San Francisco Supervisor Ed Jew. He was able to prove for the state that Jew did not really live in San Francisco, but rather in Burlingame.

Howard received an award in 2012 for being Federal Agent of the Year.