Postal employee on leave after mail ‘misplaced’

A Las Vegas mail carrier is on leave without pay while the Office of Inspector General investigates a case of “misplaced” mail.

“He’s still in our employ, but he is on unpaid administrative leave pending the outcome of this,” U.S. Postal Service spokesman David Rupert said.

Rupert, who is based in Denver, referred the Review-Journal to the Office of Inspector General for further details, but a spokesman for the office said he could provide no specifics until the investigation is complete.

No one will say how much mail was lost, how old it was, or where it was found.

“It was discovered through an internal investigation,” Rupert said.

He provided the Review-Journal with an apology letter to residents that was delivered with the mail after it was found.

The letter, dated Dec. 31 and signed by Las Vegas Postmaster Craig Colton, began:

“Reports of mail loss greatly concern us. Regrettable, some of the mail for your area was misplaced and recently found and will be delivered to you as addressed.”

The letter further said, “An apology is no substitute for good service, but I want to offer one on behalf of the United States Postal Service. ... The loss of any piece of mail is as disappointing to us as it is to you.”

Rupert described the matter as “pretty serious.” He noted that theft, destruction or delay of mail is a federal felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

“The vast majority of Postal Service employees are dedicated and hard-working individuals who work around the clock to deliver your mail,” according to a statement he released Thursday. “This unfortunate circumstance is the exception rather than the norm.”