Postal Employee Charged With Destruction of Mail

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that PJ WHITAKER (“WHITAKER”), age 34, of New Orleans, was indicted on July 11, 2024, on two counts of destruction of mail, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1703.  According to the indictment, WHITAKER, a postal employee, unlawfully secreted, destroyed, detained, delayed, and opened multiple parcels of mail on August 8, 2023 and November 7, 2023.  

If convicted, WHITAKER faces a maximum penalty of five (5) years of imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00 and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.  

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. 

The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Christine Calogero of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.