Postal Worker Indicted for Delay or Destruction of Mail

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that AVA SMITH, age 21, of Harvey, was indicted today for delay or destruction of mail.

According to the Indictment, on December 16, 2014, the Office of Inspector General for the United States Postal Service (“Postal OIG”) received information that a significant amount of First Class and Standard mail had been discarded.  It was determined that the mail was to be delivered on December 8, 2014, by postal carrier SMITH.  A review of the discarded mail revealed 573 pieces of First Class Mail, 142 pieces of Standard Mail, and 30 pieces of Non-Profit Mail.  The First Class Mail included bank and insurance statements/invoices, credit card and other bills/statements.

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

If convicted, SMITH faces a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment, followed by up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the U. S. Postal Inspection Service, Office of Inspector General in investigating this matter.  Fraud Unit Chief, Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba is in charge of the prosecution.