bman

Hey! Is it too late to make a nomination for the dumbass of the year award? I hope not, for I have a good candidate right here.

Postal Carrier Seen Throwing Away Mail
Monday, November 15, 2010 11:00 PM
Updated: Monday, November 15, 2010 11:59 PM
WBNS-10TV

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Federal authorities are conducting an investigation after 10 Investigates captured video of a postal carrier throwing away mail in a Dumpster. The video showed the postal worker looking around, before he slid the Dumpster door shut, returned to his postal van and drove off. The Dumpster is located just a few feet from 10TV by the main post office, located on Twin Rivers Drive.

Just minutes after the Dumpster delivery, 10 Investigates sifted through the garbage and found dozens of pieces of undelivered mail, including what looked like a credit card application, a billing statement, sex offender notifications and what appeared to be a check intended for Tamieko Moss.

"I'm very happy 10 Investigates brought this to my attention," Moss said. Stephanie Merckling was stunned when 10 Investigates told her that we found her mail. "My jaw dropped open," Merckling said. "I (said), 'Great, what else does he have of mine?'" 10 Investigates also tracked down Karen Funksellers and showed her the mail that had her name on it.

"I am a little shocked," Funksellers said. "I didn't even know I was getting mail from these people. A lot of it I tear up and throw away, but that's my choice. Not (the letter carrier's)." 10TV News did not name the letter carrier.

After 10 Investigates contacted the United States Postal Service, it immediately sent over undercover special agents, demanded the mail we found and reviewed our video. The next day, the USPS sent us a statement that said, "Special agents... are investigating the incident you brought to our attention...the public should know of incidents of this nature are rare... (We) aggressively pursue those few employees who violate the public trust." According to the USPS, the letter carrier seen on the video is no longer employed.

10 Investigates' Paul Aker tracked the carrier to his last apartment but moved without leaving a forwarding address. Still, we managed to find his mobile phone number. The mail carrier would not explain why he dumped the delivery. "I already gave my explanation to (whomever) you guys talked to," he said. "I lost my job for what I did. I feel bad. I made the mistake so I mean there's nothing I can do."

10 Investigates turned up three other similar cases in Ohio in the past couple years. In those cases, the letter carriers were prosecuted for federal misdemeanors and were given a fine.

It's dumb enough to be tossing mail in the trash - it's even DUMBER when the dumpster you choose is located on a local TV station parking lot.

Full details/video here