A hand retrieving mail from a mailbox.
Share this @internewscast.com

LAWMAKERS are cracking down on a key mail issue with a new USPS law that threatens violators with $2,500 fines and even jail time.

USPS customers should handle letters and packages carefully, or they could have both state and federal prosecutors coming for them.

A hand retrieving mail from a mailbox.
A new law affecting USPS deliveries is coming into effect on July 1Credit: Getty
Two United States Postal Service mailboxes on a city sidewalk.
Customers need to be careful how they treat other people’s mailCredit: Getty

The new law is coming into effect on July 1, and it will affect everyone who lives in Virginia.

Under the new legislation, it’s considered a state felony if you steal or tamper with mail sent through the USPS.

This is already considered a felony on the federal level, so the new law gives law enforcement an extra layer of punishment for criminals.

“The aim was to replicate the federal statute to equip prosecutors with an additional resource,” explained Senator Saddam Salim, a Democrat and co-author of the legislation, in an interview with CBS affiliate WTVR.

The law came after a spate of mail thefts that plagued Virginians and left them missing bills or without essential Social Security checks.

In March, four people were arrested for running a “mail theft and bank fraud ring” where they yanked keys from mailmen and plundered boxes.

The confrontations became so heated that one of the criminals was shot by a mail inspector after one of the thieves tried to mow him down with a car.

Lawmakers say they’ve been fighting for elderly constituents who rely on physical mail daily.

“When you have grandma or whoever, they still receive Social Security checks and other information via mail,” said Salim.

“And if that goes missing, they have to call into those offices get it reissued. That takes a lot of time.”

New USPS CEO David Steiner sends clear message about agency’s future & ‘challenges’ after fears services would be axed

Salim hopes that giving state prosecutors the power to enforce this law will free up federal attorneys who don’t have the capacity to pursue the cases.

He also noted that now, any person who steals important documents will be punished based on how much the information is worth.

Previously, prosecutors could only charge based on the value of the physical papers.

Taking a package from the porch isn’t the only way that people can get dinged under the crackdown.

Lawmakers warned that anyone who damages a mailbox can also be prosecuted under the new guidelines.

Four changes needed at USPS

THE head of the US Postal Service issued an urgent warning about changes needed at the agency. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy laid out four big challenges in a letter to Congress in March:

  • Retail Leases: DeJoy asked for help reviewing nearly 31,000 retail centers and the challenges of renewing leases due to ownership consolidation, urban development, and rising rental rates as long-term leases expire.
  • Counterfeit Postage Crackdown: DeJoy highlighted USPS is combating an estimated $1 billion issue with counterfeit postage and called for “additional innovative solutions” to tackle the problem.
  • Federal Law: DeJoy stated unfunded congressional mandates imposed by legislation are costing USPS between $6 billion and $11 billion annually.
  • Regulations: DeJoy criticized “burdensome regulatory requirements” that limit USPS’s ability to operate normally, estimating that the Postal Regulatory Commission has caused over $50 billion in damage with defective pricing models.

Source: AXIOS

USPS UPDATES

USPS experienced a recent shakeup as a new postmaster general was appointed.

David Steiner, who was previously a FedEx board member, is now leading the agency, and he said he was excited to take the helm.

“I am excited by the challenges ahead and by the many opportunities to shape a vibrant, durable, and increasingly competitive future for the Postal Service,” he said after accepting the job.

Meanwhile, the USPS recently warned of price changes and closures under an incoming overhaul.

And the service warned of a “washed” check scam that’s plaguing customers.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Portrait of a man and woman.

Army Veteran Dies in Unfortunate Accident Shortly After Transitioning to Off-Grid Lifestyle, Heartbroken Daughter Shares Moving Tribute

AN Army veteran has been killed in a freak accident – just…
Street scene of parked cars near a police vehicle.

Toddler tragically passes away after being left in car during 35C afternoon in Spain

A TODDLER has died after being “forgotten” inside a car in Spain…
Photo of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, and Bethany Funke.

Sister of Idaho Victim Pens Heartfelt Open Letter Criticizing Bryan Kohberger’s Last-Minute Plea Deal and Urges Trial

THE SISTER of one of the victims of the Idaho murders has…
Travel nightmare unfolds as storm system grounds East Coast flights ahead of July 4

Chaos hits travelers as East Coast flights are halted due to storm just before July 4

Flights nationwide came to a halt on Tuesday due to anticipated severe…

Disney Dream Cruise Passengers Share Terrifying Incident of Girl and Father Going Overboard

PASSENGERS on a Disney Dream cruise ship recounted their shock following an…
Close-up photo of Paul Davis, an AI scam victim.

I lost hundreds to a scammer posing as ‘Jennifer Aniston’, claiming to love me and needing money for ‘Apple subscriptions’

A MAN was cruelly scammed out of £200 after being sweet-talked by…
Ben Shelton vs. Alex Bolt odds, picks, prediction

Predictions, Betting Odds, and Picks for Ben Shelton vs. Alex Bolt Showdown

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…
Barry Morphew to appear in court after grand jury indictment charging him with wife's murder

Barry Morphew Scheduled for Court Appearance Following Indictment by Grand Jury for Wife’s Murder

Barry Morphew is scheduled for a court appearance for his initial hearing…
The challenge the Nets are facing with their huge draft haul

The Dilemma the Nets Face with Their Vast Draft Collection

Having five first-round picks is a First World problem. But that doesn’t…
Ravinia Festival 2025 concert lineup includes Chicago this weekend in Highland Park

Ravinia Festival 2025: Chicago Band Highlights This Weekend Event in Highland Park

HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. (WLS) — The group Chicago will be at Ravinia…
Jimmy Swaggart preaching to a large crowd.

Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart Passes Away at 90 Following Recent Cardiac Arrest

TELEVANGELIST Jimmy Swaggart has died at age 90 over two weeks after…
Astoria, Queens doctor rape case: Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng pleads guilty to drugging and sexually assaulting patients in New York

Queens Doctor in Astoria Admits to Drugging and Sexually Assaulting Patients: Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng Pleads Guilty in New York

QUEENS — A 35-year-old gastroenterologist, Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng, confessed to numerous…