Saratoga Postal Inspector Admits to Stealing Mail (18 U.S. Code 1708)

A 53-year-old former Postal Inspector out of Saratoga has recently admitted to stealing various items that were sent through the mail to other folks, including Playboy magazines, prescription medications, cash, jewelry, and marijuana. He claims that he asked to be alerted when items were found loose in the mail due to improper packaging or improper handling. Lying to his fellow postal workers, he originally claimed to attempt to find the owners of the lost valuables, but kept them for himself instead. He was caught on surveillance video and has been charged with theft of stolen mail matter and with intent to distribute marijuana.

When someone steals mail, whether they are a postal service employee or an individual citizen, they are subject to penalties under federal law. 18 U.S.C.1708 addresses just this type of theft. To be prosecuted under this law, a person could have stolen mail from a post office, letter box, mail receptacle, or mail bag. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is charged with protecting the nation’s mail and its mail delivery system from just this kind of crime. If convicted, you could spend up to 5 years in federal prison.

As one of the items that was stolen included a large amount of marijuana, law enforcement officials have also levied the charge of intent to distribute against this same gentleman. Although certain states have made marijuana legal, it is still considered illegal at the federal level, and the penalties are harsh. Depending upon the amount of marijuana found in the former inspector’s possession, he could face anywhere from 5 years to 10 years to life in a federal facility; possession of any amount of marijuana for sale or cultivation is considered a felony by federal law.