A mailman in Orlando, Florida, has been arrested for allegedly dumping more than 1,000 pieces of mail, including election mail, in the woods. Among the discarded items were an absentee ballot and what officials describe as 400 political items. Ottis McCoy was arrested on Frida, Oct. 25.
The investigation, according to court documents, began when a co-worker noticed McCoy returned from his route much earlier than expected, despite leaving with a large quantity of deliveries. After reviewing GPS data from McCoy’s postal vehicle, his manager discovered that he had deviated from his assigned route and stopped in a wooded area.
A U.S. Postal Service inspector found the discarded mail and obtained surveillance footage that allegedly shows McCoy throwing the mail into the trees and bushes. The local county elections supervisor expressed concern.
“It is extremely concerning to see vote-by-mail ballots discarded on the ground,” Glen Gilzean, the county elections supervisor, said. “We are, however, grateful for the prompt action taken by the United States Postal Service. We are fully committed to ensuring that every impacted Orange County voter receives their vote-by-mail ballot in time so that every voice can be heard in this historic election.”
McCoy is facing a fine of up to $250,000 and a prison sentence of up to five years.
