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.
