TAMPA, Fla. (AP) _ Authorities say they’ve found more than 2,100 pieces of stolen mail inside the home and car of a southwest Florida postal carrier.
John M. Doyle Jr., 38, told investigators he stole because he needed the money. Doyle entered a plea agreement Tuesday.
Federal authorities have not estimated how much was stolen. The Tampa Bay Times reports the plea agreement doesn’t say how much prosecutors will seek in restitution if Doyle goes through with his expected guilty plea.
He last delivered mail in the 33705 zip code, but worked in about five other post offices during his 15-month employment and admitted stealing three or four times a week. Authorities said he chose the packages and letters because he thought they had money or gift cards inside.
Residents in the area started noticing missing letters, including birthday gifts, and authorities set up a sting.
Doyle resigned last fall.
