BEDFORD – A United States Postal Service carrier from Mitchell has been charged with theft and official misconduct following an investigation into mail tampering in Lawrence County.
Darrin Lane, 58, is facing charges of official misconduct, a level 6 felony, and theft, a class A misdemeanor, after allegedly throwing mail from a bridge and stealing packages while on his postal route.
The investigation began on February 6 when a concerned citizen reported witnessing a postal worker throwing items from the Shawswick School Road bridge just south of US Highway 50. The witness photographed the postal vehicle, which was later identified as being operated by Lane.
Postal employees who responded to the scene recovered a torn white shipping bag from the creek below. Further investigation revealed the bag contained tracking information linked to a Maurices clothing order valued at $251.39, which was intended for delivery to a Bedford resident.
When confronted by supervisors, Lane claimed the discarded bag had contained his personal gloves and had blown out the window. However, during a subsequent vehicle search, supervisors discovered Lane was carrying a sealed Victoria’s Secret Pink four-piece lingerie set in his hoodie pocket. Lane claimed these items were personal and intended for a friend.
According to the affidavit filed by Special Agent Brian Clancy of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the intended recipient of the Maurices package confirmed never receiving her order, which included a floral mini dress purchased for approximately $9.
The investigation suggests this may not be an isolated incident. Investigators believe the lingerie set found in Lane’s possession may have come from a different stolen package.
If convicted, Lane could face up to 2.5 years in prison for the felony misconduct charge, plus additional penalties for the misdemeanor theft charge. The case remains under investigation by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
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