Even with the advances in technology allowing people to direct deposit paychecks, make purchases and pay bills online, many people still rely on the post office to deliver important items. In rural areas, those envelopes may sit vulnerable in mailboxes for hours before the residents retrieve them. Some Nebraska neighbors are concerned following a rash of mail theft, and criminal defense may benefit the man accused of the crime.
One recent morning, police responded to numerous calls of someone stealing mail from a rural neighborhood. When police arrived, they found a car fitting the callers’ descriptions had driven into a ditch. Reports say the driver of the car attempted to steal a passing pickup truck. He allegedly climbed into the driver’s lap and tried to accelerate to escape police. When this did not work, he is said to have exited the truck and attempted to run.
Officers pursued him, employed a Taser to the man’s chest and arrested him. His car in the ditch allegedly contained mail from about 50 local residents. Neighbors were shocked to see their mailboxes standing open and empty. Police are continuing their investigation to determine if the man is related to reports of mail theft in other parts of Nebraska in recent months.
The 39-year-old man was charged with one count of attempted robbery as well as obstructing justice and resisting arrest. It is possible he may also face federal charges for stealing mail. If so, he is facing years in prison if convicted. When confronted with such charges, it is understandable to be concerned about the future. Fortunately, anyone accused of a crime has the right to seek the advice and representation of a criminal defense attorney to ensure the protection of his or her legal rights as a case works its way through the court system.
Source: ketv.com, “Police arrest mail thief targeting North Omaha”, Erin Hassanzadeh, June 20, 2017