Mailman charged after thousands of pieces found

[September 01, 2009]  DETROIT (AP) -- Federal agents say they've recovered more than 20,000 pieces of mail from a suburban Detroit postal carrier who stored them in his car, kitchen and garage instead of delivering them.

Thirty-seven-year-old James Stempnik Jr. of Clinton Township was charged Monday with delaying and stealing mail.

Postal agents said they found government checks, utility bills and court documents, some a year old. A motive is not known.

A Postal Service spokeswoman says none of the mail was opened and all pieces should be delivered by the end of the week.

Stempnik did not return a message seeking comment.

The charges came three months after another Michigan carrier who couldn't keep up with her route was placed on probation for a similar crime.

[Associated Press; By ED WHITE]

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.