A Florida postal worker is facing accusations of dumping over 1,000 pieces of mail in a wooded lot in Orlando, including more than 400 pieces of political mail and at least one election ballot. Ottis Nicole McCoy Jr., who worked for a private contractor delivering mail for the U.S. Postal Service, has been charged with stealing and discarding mail in violation of federal law. The incident was reported in a criminal complaint filed on Oct. 25 in the Middle District of Florida.
According to an affidavit attached to the complaint, suspicions arose when McCoy finished his route earlier than expected despite having a large quantity of mail to deliver. GPS tracking data showed that McCoy had deviated from his route, leading to the discovery of discarded mail in a wooded area. More than 1,000 pieces of U.S. mail, including political mail and an election ballot, were found.
Inspector Charles Johnsten of the United States Postal Inspection Service spoke to a homeowner who provided surveillance footage supporting the allegations. The video allegedly shows McCoy throwing large quantities of U.S. Mail into the wooded lot.
If convicted, McCoy could face up to five years in prison under 18 U.S.C. § 1708, which prohibits stealing or diverting mail from its intended destination. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, responsible for law enforcement and security for the Postal Service, stated they cannot comment on ongoing investigations. They are actively working to prevent mail-related election crimes during this critical time and collaborating with law enforcement partners at all levels.
Source link
