No sensitive materials were reported at the scene.

Reports of undelivered mail found in a Virginia Beach dumpster has spurred an investigation by the U.S. Postal Service.

According to the Virginia Beach Police Department, the tossed mail was discovered in a trash bin on the 3200 block of Colechester Road near Virginia Beach. The contents appeared to consist of political campaign flyers, and did not seem to suggest the presence of absentee ballots, USPS spokesman Pete Brown said Thursday. Nevertheless, the scene was reported to local police, where it has since prompted an investigation by the USPS.

The news comes off the heels of recent mail tampering in Central Virginia, where mailboxes across Chesterfield, Richmond, and Henrico were broken into. Despite there appearing to be no connection between the two events, concerns have been voiced regarding voter suppression, as citizens begin to mail in absentee ballots for the upcoming presidential election.

 

Mail theft is a felony in the United States. If convicted, the crime can carry a five-year federal prison sentence as well as fine of up to $250,000. The law applies to letters and postcards, as well as larger objects like packages.

USPS has reportedly been in contact with a suspect, though according to Brown the details surrounding their involvement have not been confirmed, including if they are a USPS employee. Currently, post office officials continue to examine the contents recovered at the scene.

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Brianna Persons
Brianna is an Oregon native who made her home in the DMV over two years ago. She loves scouting out new restaurants and drooling over Van Gogh’s landscapes in the National Gallery’s East Building. When she isn’t writing for Our Community Now, she’s tackling short fiction and working her baking magic in the kitchen. She resides in Maryland with her husband Nick and their black cat Sable.
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