CHARLOTTE, NC — Gary Collins, 53, could face up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000 after pleading guilty Tuesday to one count of Unlawfully Destroying, Detaining, and Delaying U.S. mail.
According to officials, Collins came under investigation in April 2014 after a witness said they saw him placing tubs of mail behind a dumpster in Shelby, NC. The tubs officials found at the location contained over 1,500 pieces of mail, including over 600 First-Class items and three parcels.
In May 2014, investigators uncovered another 1,800 pieces of undelivered mail hidden in Collins’ home and vehicle, according to reports. Officials say that batch included over 130 First-Class pieces of mail dating as far back as April 2000. In another building on Collins’ property, investigators say they also found nearly two full-sized dump truck loads of mail which were removed with a back hoe. Officials say that mail could not be salvaged due to damage.
Court records say that Collins initially told agents that he had not intended to dump the mail behind the dumpster and had never thrown away or stored any undelivered mail at his home. On Tuesday however, Collins admitted to bringing undelivered mail to his home for nearly 10 years.
Collins was released on bond following his plea, and a sentencing date has yet to be determined.
