Federal authorities have charged Ottis McCoy, a USPS worker from Florida, for discarding over 1,000 pieces of mail, including a mail-in ballot. McCoy now faces charges of stealing mail, punishable by up to $250,000 in fines and five years in prison.
Suspicion arose when a colleague noticed McCoy returned early after loading his van with mail. A tracking device confirmed he had deviated from his route.
Surveillance footage later revealed McCoy discarding mail in a wooded area.
Inspectors found the discarded mail in Orlando, and Doorbell camera footage also captured McCoy discarding the mail.
“Inspectors collected the U.S. Mail and discovered more than 1000 pieces of U.S. Mail, including more than 400 pieces of political mail and one election ballot,” U.S. Postal Inspection Service inspector Charles Johnsten wrote.
Authorities are still examining the mail, and more charges may follow. It is unclear if McCoy has legal counsel.
This case comes after a similar incident in Tennessee, where postal worker DuJuan Butler faced charges for discarding mail and posting evidence on TikTok.
