FEDERAL CHARGES EXPECTED IN VAN WERT MAIL BURNING CASE

Federal charges are expected following an October 22 incident in which a Van Wert mail carrier allegedly burned undelivered mail in his backyard fire pit.

“This case has been referred to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for criminal prosecution,” said Charlene Cerra, Assistant Special Agent in Charge with the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (OIG). She confirmed that charges are forthcoming, with details to be determined by federal prosecutors.

Police and firefighters were called to a George Street home after discovering the small fire. Body camera footage shows stacks of mail ablaze.

Because the mail is federal property, the Postal Service OIG took over the investigation.

In an interview with WANE 15 in Fort Wayne, the carrier—who was not named—said he forgot to deliver the mail and burned it “for fear of getting in trouble.”

The VW Independent is withholding the man’s name until charges are officially filed.

According to USPS spokesperson Naddie Dhalai, the mail carrier remains employed at the Van Wert Post Office.