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
Screengrab of the Eternity C bulker being attacked in the Red Sea.

Houthi Rebels Sink Two Cargo Ships and Kidnap Crew in Red Sea Amid Renewed Tensions, Despite Trump’s Previous Actions

HOUTHI rebels have sunk two giant cargo ships within days and kidnapped…
When Does ‘Foundation’ Season 3 Come Out on Apple TV+?

When Is ‘Foundation’ Season 3 Premiering on Apple TV+?

Since its debut in 2019, Apple TV+ has quietly emerged as a…
Photo of Sunshine Stewart.

Paddleboarder, 48, discovered dead after disappearing during camp trip, prompting police search for ‘killer’

A PADDLEBOARDER mysteriously disappeared during a camping trip and has been discovered…
Trial date set for Austin Metcalf’s suspected killer in track meet stabbing

Court Date Scheduled for Austin Metcalf’s Alleged Track Meet Attacker

The 18-year-old suspect accused of killing high school track star Austin Metcalf…
WATCH: ICE agents fight off masked mob outside blue city immigration court

VIDEO: ICE Agents Defend Themselves Against Masked Group Near Immigration Court in a Major City

A conflict took place outside of the San Francisco Immigration Court this…
AOC's 'Red Light' district ruled by violent migrant gang taken down by feds

AOC’s District Seized from Control of Violent Migrant Gang by Federal Authorities

Several members of a violent gang comprising migrants accused of “unleashing terror”…
Flood recovery in San Marco faster with new pump station

Rapid Flood Recovery in San Marco Boosted by New Pump Station

A city spokesperson says many streets flooded in Wednesday’s deluge drained in…
Iranian flag held aloft by a statue in Tehran, with an anti-Israel billboard in the background.

The UK warns that Iran now presents a serious physical threat to residents, similar to the risk from Russia.

IRAN poses a significant threat to Britain with Tehran’s spies targeting the…
Daywalkers vs Vampires: Milo Manheim, Meg Donnelly, Freya Skye, Malachi Barton on the new rivalry in 'ZOMBIES 4'

Daywalkers vs Vampires: Milo Manheim, Meg Donnelly, Freya Skye, and Malachi Barton Discuss the New Feud in ‘ZOMBIES 4’

LOS ANGELES — This summer, the popular “ZOMBIES” franchise makes its return…
Woman standing in front of her house, surrounded by numerous Amazon packages.

Amazon Delivery Chaos: Hundreds of Parcels Flood My Home with No End in Sight

HUNDREDS of large Amazon packages kept arriving at the doorstep of one…
New York ABSOLUTELY should ban masked 'protests'

New York Should Certainly Prohibit Masked ‘Protests’

Masked protestors took to the city streets, targeting Jewish neighborhoods, and voiced…
Protesters and federal agents clash during raid at Southern California farm

Clash Erupts Between Protesters and Federal Agents During Southern California Farm Raid

A clash broke out on Thursday involving protesters and federal agents conducting…