SILVER SPRING, Md. (WMAR) — A United States Postal Service carrier is facing multiple charges including for theft scheme after allegedly stealing mail along his Silver Spring route.
The investigation began January 2, when the owner of the Bonanza Coins shop called police to investigate two coins someone was trying to sell for nearly $3000.
Police were told about an email from the original owner of the coins, requesting the shop to look out for the coins if someone came in trying to sell them.
The coin owner had reportedly sold and shipped the coins to a customer through the postal service, but they were never delivered. A lost property report then had to be filed with the post office.
Arriving officers determined the person trying to sell the coins wasn't involved in stealing them. However, police were led to Lorenzo E. Pugh, a 32-year-old postal service carrier assigned to Silver Spring.
During an interview with officers and special agents with the United States Postal Service Inspector General's Office, Pugh admitted to stealing the coins and other pieces of mail while working.
Police later searched Pugh's Greenbelt home, and found several other pieces of stolen mail. Investigators believe Pugh was stealing mail for nearly a year, from March 2019 to January 2020.
Pugh has since been released on $5,000 bond. His current employment status with the postal service is unclear. It's unknown if he has or will be charged with federal violations.
